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Question

Difficulty: MediumEcology and Environment

In a temperate forest ecosystem, bracket fungi and soil bacteria break down fallen oak branches, returning minerals and carbon compounds to the topsoil. Which ecological group do these organisms belong to?

  1. A
    Autotrophic producers
  2. DecomposersAnswer
  3. C
    Herbivorous consumers
  4. D
    Carnivorous predators

Answer

Decomposers
Decomposers are heterotrophic organisms, primarily fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic matter and waste products, converting complex organic compounds into simpler inorganic nutrients available to producers.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the ecological role described in the question stem.
The fungi and bacteria feed on dead branches and release inorganic nutrients into the soil.
Distinguishing between the synthesis of food, predation on living matter, and detrital breakdown defines an organism's functional tier.
2
Identify the standard ecological classification corresponding to this function.
Organisms that chemically decompose organic remains are categorized as decomposers.
Decomposers perform extracellular digestion of detritus, sustaining nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.

Key Concept

Nutrient cycling and the function of decomposers in ecosystems
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Ecology and Environment

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