Question

Which of the following organisms serve as decomposers in the ecosystem? (A) Bacteria and viruses (B) Fungi and bacteria (C) Viruses and protists (D) Fungi and viruses (E) Bacteria and plants

Short answer

The correct answer is (B) Fungi and bacteria. These organisms are decomposers in the ecosystem.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding key terms

First, understand what a decomposer is in an ecosystem. Decomposers are organisms such as bacteria or fungi that break down dead or decay plant and animal material, returning essential nutrients to the ecosystem.

Identifying decomposers

Next, look at the options given in the question and identify the ones that match the description of a decomposer. We know that bacteria and fungi are commonly known decomposers in any ecosystem.

Eliminate incorrect options

Eliminate the options that do not include either bacteria or fungi. Options (A) bacteria and viruses, (C) viruses and protists, (D) fungi and viruses, and (E) bacteria and plants can be eliminated because viruses, protists, and plants are not decomposers.

Key concepts

Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their non-living surroundings in a specific environment. This can include plants, animals, microorganisms, rocks, soil, and climate conditions. Ecosystems can be as small as a puddle or as large as a forest or an entire ocean.

There are various components in an ecosystem, all of which play important roles in maintaining its balance:

• Producers, like plants, that generate energy through photosynthesis.
• Consumers, such as animals, that depend on plants and other animals for food.
• Decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, that break down dead matter, aiding in nutrient recycling.

Each component performs a specific function that supports the others, fostering life and maintaining equilibrium in the ecosystem. Without such balance, ecosystems may degrade, affecting biodiversity and causing detrimental impacts to all living organisms involved.

Bacteria

Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms found everywhere in the environment. They are incredibly diverse and serve various roles in ecosystems.

One of the primary roles of bacteria is that of decomposers. As decomposers, bacteria break down dead organic material, including plants and animals, into simpler compounds. This process releases nutrients back into the soil, making them available for use by plants and other organisms.

Bacteria are essential in nutrient cycling which contributes significantly to ecosystem health. Besides decomposing, some bacteria fix nitrogen - converting nitrogen in the air to a form that plants can use for growth. Bacteria also help in composting, speeding up the breakdown of organic materials, which suggests their versatility and indispensable nature in ecosystems.

Fungi

Fungi are another group of critical decomposers in ecosystems, including mushrooms, molds, and yeasts. They differ significantly from plants, animals, and bacteria structurally and functionally.

Fungi play a vital role in breaking down complex organic materials. They have specialized structures and enzymes that enable them to decompose tough materials, such as lignin and cellulose present in wood and plant fibers. By doing so, they help in recycling nutrients back into the soil, facilitating new plant growth and maintaining the nutrient cycle.

Fungi often work symbiotically with plants through mycorrhizal associations, improving nutrient uptake in plants while receiving carbohydrates in return. This partnership showcases their importance not just as decomposers but also as mutualistic partners in ecosystems, extending their influence on plant health and ecosystem productivity.

Nutrient Cycling

Nutrient cycling is the process by which essential nutrients are circulated within an ecosystem. This cycle involves the movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Key components of nutrient cycling include decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, which play pivotal roles in breaking down dead and decaying matter. This breakdown process releases nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making them available for absorption by plants.

• Decomposition transforms complex organic molecules into simpler compounds.
• The continual recycling of nutrients ensures that they are reused rather than lost from the ecosystem.

Nutrient cycling is fundamental for ecosystem sustainability. Without it, essential nutrients would be lost, and ecosystems could not support life. It connects all organisms, forming intricate relationships that uphold ecological harmony and resilience.