Decomposers are organisms that break down dead plants and animals, along with their waste products. This process transforms complex organic materials into simpler inorganic substances such as carbon dioxide, water, and mineral nutrients. A common example involves fungi and bacteria breaking down a fallen tree, releasing its constituent elements back into the environment.
The activity of these organisms is fundamental to ecosystem health. Without them, essential elements would remain locked within dead organic matter, preventing their reuse by living organisms. This would severely limit plant growth, as plants rely on these inorganic nutrients for survival. Consequently, the entire food web would be disrupted due to the absence of the elements necessary to sustain life.
