Decomposers act on dead bodies converting complex organic constituents into simpler soluble form.They obtain their energy from dead organisms. Decomposers themselves are organisms (often fungi, earthworms, or bacteria) that break down organic materials to gain nutrients and energy. Decomposers
accelerate the natural process of decomposition. They supply the required nutrients for other trophic levels. The fungi found on the tree are decomposers. When an organism dies, it leaves behind nutrients that are tightly bound together. A scavenger might eat the carcass, but its feces would still contain a considerable amount of unused energy and nutrients. Decomposers will later induce further breakdown. This last step releases raw nutrients (such as nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium) in a form usable to plants, which quickly incorporates the chemicals into their own cells. This process greatly increases the nutrient-load of an ecosystem, in turn allowing for greater biodiversity.