Question

What will happen if decomposers are completely removed from the ecosystem?

• A. There will be no energy flow.
• B. There will be an increase in the number of detritivores
• C. Herbivores will not receive solar energy
• D. The movement of minerals in an ecosystem will be blocked.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Thee organic content of the dead and decaying organisms are broken down to inorganic substances by the process called decomposition. It is brought about by decomposers. Decomposition is mainly an oxygen dependent process and its rate is dependent on chemical composition and climatic factors. Decomposers play a vital role in energy flow through the ecosystem and also in making available the essential nutrients to the producers. If decomposers are removed from the ecosystem, then minerals required by the producers will not be available and disrupt the food chain.