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Question

Difficulty: EasyEcology and Environment

In a freshwater wetland, certain species of bacteria and fungi break down dead plant material and animal waste, returning vital nutrients to the ecosystem. Which ecological role do these organisms fulfill?

  1. A
    Primary consumers
  2. B
    Primary producers
  3. DecomposersAnswer
  4. D
    Secondary consumers

Answer

Decomposers
Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, perform the critical ecological function of breaking down dead organic matter and wastes into simpler inorganic nutrients that autotrophs can reuse.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the metabolic activity described in the stem.
The organisms break down dead biological matter and waste products to release nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Trophic classifications in ecology are determined by how organisms acquire energy and matter.
2
Identify the trophic role corresponding to this activity.
Organisms that break down non-living organic matter are classified as decomposers (or saprotrophs).
Producers generate organic compounds from inorganic sources, consumers ingest living biomass, and decomposers process detritus and waste.

Key Concept

Trophic Roles and Decomposer Function in Ecosystems
Estimated Time:35s
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Topics

Ecology and Environment

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