Question

Which of the following can convert organic substance into inorganic substance?
(a)Producers
(b)Decomposers
(c)Primary consumers
(d)Secondary consumers

Answer 1

Hint: Complex organic matter is broken down into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients and this process is called decomposition. Detritus is composed of dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter. These form the raw material of decomposition.

complete answer:
-There are organisms like fungi,bacteria and worms. They are capable of breaking down dead or decaying organisms.This process is called decomposition and the organisms that carry out this process are called decomposers.
-Carbon dioxide, energy, water, plant nutrients and resynthesized organic carbon compounds are mainly formed as products of decomposition.
-As they break down the organic matter, any excess like nitrogen and phosphorus are released into the soil in forms that plants can use.
-The decomposed matter can act as the food source for many of the species at the base of ecosystems.

Additional information:
-Decomposition is largely oxygen requiring process.
- The chemical composition of detritus and climatic factors are involved in controlling the rate of decomposition.
- Climatic factors like temperature and soil moisture regulate decomposition through their effects on the activities of soil microbes.
-Decomposers are heterotrophic.They have enzymes that break down dead organic matter.
-They are very important in ensuring the availability of vital nutrients to primary producers.
-Fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification and mineralization are the important steps of decomposition..

So the correct answer is “ Decomposers”.

Note: Warm and moist environment favor decomposition. Low temperature and anaerobiosis inhibit decomposition. The decomposition rate is slower if the detritus is rich in lignin and chitin and quicker if detritus is rich in nitrogen and water- soluble substances like sugars.