Question

In what way are decomposers like producers? a. Either may be the first member of a grazing or a detrital food chain. b. Both produce oxygen for other forms of life. c. Both require nutrient molecules and energy. d. Both are present only on land. e. Both produce organic nutrients for other members of ecosystems.

Short answer

Both decomposers and producers require nutrient molecules and energy to fulfill their roles in their ecosystems.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the terms decomposers and producers

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead plants and animals and return nutrients to the environment, while producers are organisms that make their own food through the process of photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They are essential for maintaining balance in an ecosystem.

Analyze each option

a. Either may be the first member of a grazing or a detrital food chain. This option is incorrect as producers are usually the first member of a grazing food chain, while decomposers are the first member of a detrital food chain. b. Both produce oxygen for other forms of life. This option is also incorrect as only producers, especially those that perform photosynthesis, produce oxygen as a byproduct. Decomposers do not produce oxygen. c. Both require nutrient molecules and energy. This option is correct. Both decomposers and producers require nutrient molecules and energy to perform their respective functions in the ecosystem. d. Both are present only on land. This option is incorrect as both decomposers and producers can be found in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. e. Both produce organic nutrients for other members of ecosystems. This option is incorrect as only producers create organic nutrients for other members of ecosystems. Decomposers break down organic matter and release nutrients back into the environment but do not produce them.

Select the correct answer

The correct answer is option c. Both decomposers and producers require nutrient molecules and energy to fulfill their roles in their ecosystems.