Model the movement of matter among decomposers
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5th Grade Science › Model the movement of matter among decomposers
Which organism below is an example of a decomposer?
Fungi
Plankton
Oak tree
Osprey
Explanation
Fungi is a decomposer. Decomposers play a vital role in keeping the food chain functioning properly. As decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and produce waste, nutrients are recycled back into the soil for producers (plants) to absorb through their roots. Without decomposers, there would be a buildup of debris, remained, and a lack of nutrients in the food chain.
In the graphic below, a food chain is modeled. The decomposer has been removed from the food chain. Which organism below could be the decomposer in this food chain?
Explanation
The vulture is a decomposer that could be added to this food chain to complete it. A decomposer is an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem. Often a decomposer is a bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate. Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers—usually plants and algae.
Which of the following is an example of a 1) decomposer, 2) producer, and 3) a consumer?
- fungi, 2) grass, and 3) cricket
- mushroom, 2) rose bush, and 3) palm tree
- grass, 2) cricket, and 3) vulture
- osprey, 2) snake, and 3) frog
Explanation
A decomposer is an organism that breaks down organic material. This includes the remains of dead organisms. Bacteria, worms, snails, slugs, and fungi are types of decomposers. All organisms undergo decomposition after death. The correct answer is "1) fungi, 2) grass, and 3) cricket".
If Jessa is making a model of a food chain and needs to include decomposers, what type of organism could she use as an example?
Bacteria
Fungi
Worm
All of the choices are correct
Explanation
A decomposer is an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem. Often a decomposer is a bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate. Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers—usually plants and algae. A worm, bacterium, or fungi would all be acceptable examples of a decomposer.
What is the role of a decomposer in an ecosystem?
To capture the energy of the Sun for plants to make food
Break down dead organisms
Produce oxygen for consumers
Bring nutrients to producers and consumers
Explanation
A decomposer is an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem. Often a decomposer is a bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate. Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers—usually plants and algae.
What is a decomposer in the food chain?
A decomposer breaks down organic material
A decomposer eats producers
A decomposer is responsible for providing energy to tertiary consumers
A decomposer is at the top of the food chain and is an apex predator
Explanation
A decomposer is an organism that breaks down organic material. This includes the remains of dead organisms. Bacteria, worms, snails, slugs, and fungi are types of decomposers. All organisms undergo decomposition after death.
What would happen in a food chain if decomposers were removed?
Producers would not have enough nutrients, and waste would pile up.
Primary consumers will have nothing to eat and starve.
Final consumers will have to start eating producers.
The Sun will direct its energy towards other organisms in the food chain.
Explanation
If decomposers were removed from a food chain, there would be a break down in the flow of matter and energy. Waste and dead organisms would pile up. Producers would not have enough nutrients because, within the waste and dead organisms, nutrients would not be released back into the ecosystem.
How do decomposers assist producers in moving matter in the food chain?
Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the soil so that they can be taken up by the roots of plants.
Decomposers attract more sunlight which gives producers the energy they need to make food.
Decomposers do not help producers in any way; in fact, they are harmful to them.
Decomposers distract many of the primary consumers from threatening or eating the producers.
Explanation
Decomposers play a vital role in keeping the food chain functioning properly. As decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and produce waste, nutrients are recycled back into the soil for producers (plants) to absorb through their roots. Without decomposers, there would be a buildup of debris, remained, and a lack of nutrients in the food chain.
Organisms that feed on the remains or waste of other organisms are known as ___________.
producers
decomposers
consumers
predators
Explanation
A decomposer is an organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem. Often a decomposer is a bacterium, fungus, or invertebrate. Decomposers play a critical role in the flow of energy through an ecosystem. Decomposers make vital nutrients available to an ecosystem’s primary producers—usually plants and algae.
Composting takes advantage of the natural process of decomposition by
decreasing the Earth's temperature.
returning energy and nutrients to the environment.
releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere.
creating clean drinking water for humans, plants, and animals.
Explanation
Composting is a form of decomposition and takes advantage of the natural bacteria, fungi, and organisms that break down waste. Many people will collect kitchen scraps and debris, let the organic matter break down, and then spread it in gardens or potted plants because it is rich in nutrients. Decomposers play a vital role in keeping the food chain functioning properly. As decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and produce waste, nutrients are recycled back into the soil for producers (plants) to absorb through their roots. Without decomposers, a buildup of debris remained and a lack of nutrients in the food chain.