What term describes an organism that breaks down wastes and dead organisms?

• A. Producer
• B. Primary consumer
• C. Secondary consumer
• D. Decomposer

Answer: (D)

Nutrient recycling in ecosystems is driven by decomposers. Decomposers break down wastes and dead organisms, returning nutrients to soil or water so plants and other organisms can reuse them. They include bacteria and fungi that release enzymes to break down complex organic material and then absorb the resulting nutrients. They are different from producers, which synthesize their own food from sunlight, and from primary and secondary consumers, which obtain energy by eating other organisms. Because they recycle nutrients, decomposers are essential for sustaining ecosystems. The term that describes such an organism is decomposer.