7.4.2 Decomposers

• The main types of decomposers are bacteria and fungi.
• Decomposers play a vital role in the nutrient cycle by releasing essential elements back into the ecosystem.


  True
• What type of complex organic compound do fungi break down?

  Cellulose
• Why are decomposers essential for producers in an ecosystem?

  They release nutrients into the soil
• Decomposers are a vital component of the nutrient cycle in ecosystems.


  True
• What happens during the autolysis stage of decomposition?

  Breakdown of cells by enzymes
• Decomposition rates are influenced by factors such as oxygen levels and soil composition.


  True
• What is the main process described in the first paragraph?

  Decomposition
• Arrange the stages of decomposition in the correct order:

  1️⃣ Autolysis

  2️⃣ Putrefaction

  3️⃣ Skeletalization

  4️⃣ Soil Enrichment
• Soft tissues decompose and release gases
• What factor is most important for soil enrichment in decomposition?

  Soil composition
• Decomposers play a crucial role in the nutrient cycle.


  True
• What would happen to nutrients in dead matter without decomposers?

  They would remain locked
• The main types of decomposers are bacteria and fungi
• Without decomposers, the nutrient cycle would break down completely.

  True
• Which stage of decomposition is affected by temperature and pH?

  Autolysis
• Match the decomposer type with its function:

  Bacteria ↔️ Decompose organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil

  Fungi ↔️ Break down complex organic compounds, like cellulose
• What are decomposers?

  Organisms that break down dead plants and animals
• Match the type of decomposer with its function:

  Bacteria ↔️ Decompose organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil

  Fungi ↔️ Break down complex organic compounds like cellulose
• Bacteria decompose organic matter and return nutrients to the soil.
• Fungi release nutrients back into the soil by breaking down complex organic compounds.


  True
• Without decomposers, dead matter would not be recycled into the ecosystem.
• Arrange the stages of decomposition in the correct order:

  1️⃣ Autolysis

  2️⃣ Putrefaction

  3️⃣ Skeletalization

  4️⃣ Soil Enrichment
• During putrefaction, soft tissues decompose and release gases.
• Which decomposers are primarily involved in the skeletalization stage of decomposition?

  Fungi
• Decomposition releases nutrients back into the ecosystem
• Autolysis is the breakdown of cells by enzymes within the dead organism.

  True
• Fungi are primarily involved in the skeletalization stage of decomposition.


  True
• Decomposers release nutrients back into the ecosystem
• Match the decomposer type with its function:

  Bacteria ↔️ Decompose organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil

  Fungi ↔️ Break down complex organic compounds, like cellulose
• Decomposers ensure that producers have access to essential nutrients.


  True
• Why are decomposers vital for the overall health of an ecosystem?

  They recycle nutrients
• Arrange the stages of decomposition in the correct order again:

  1️⃣ Autolysis

  2️⃣ Putrefaction

  3️⃣ Skeletalization

  4️⃣ Soil Enrichment
• Oxygen levels and moisture affect the rate of putrefaction