What Is Role of Decomposer in Ecosystem?

Decomposers break down organic matter, recycle nutrients, and contribute to soil fertility in ecosystems.

Decomposers are organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and certain invertebrates, that play a vital role in the recycling of nutrients within ecosystems. Their primary function is to break down complex organic matter, including dead plants and animals, into simpler substances through the process of decomposition.

During decomposition, organic material is broken down into essential nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which can then be released back into the soil, air, or water. This recycling of nutrients is crucial for sustaining life in the ecosystem, as it ensures a continuous supply of essential elements for the growth of plants and other organisms.

Decomposers contribute to maintaining the balance of nutrient cycles, such as the carbon and nitrogen cycles, which are essential for the functioning of ecosystems. By breaking down and recycling organic matter, decomposers help sustain the health and productivity of ecosystems by ensuring the availability of nutrients for the growth of new organisms.