What is a decomposer?
Q: What is a decomposer?
A: A decomposer is an organism that breaks down long chain polymers from dead organisms into smaller molecules.
Q: What are the types of organisms that act as decomposers?
A: Decomposers are bacteria and fungi.
Q: What do decomposers do with the broken-down molecules?
A: Decomposers use the parts and energy to build up their own materials, which are also organic.
Q: What is meant by heterotrophs?
A: Heterotrophs are organisms that use organic substrates to get their energy, carbon, and nutrients for growth and development.
Q: How is decomposition different from detritivores?
A: Decomposers break down cells of other organisms using biochemical reactions without the need for internal digestion, while detritivores actually digest dead organic matter.
Q: What does abiotic decomposition mean?
A: Abiotic decomposition is breakdown by chemical processes, such as hydrolysis, or physical processes, such as heat.
Q: What is the result of abiotic decomposition?
A: The result of abiotic decomposition is turning organic material into inorganic material, and returning nutrients to the environment.
