Decomposer

What is the name of the process where the remains of living things rot, decay or break down?

• Disintegration
• Dissolve
• Decomposition
• Recycling

A living organism that puts materials from dead  plants and animals back to the soil is called a ____________?

• carnivore
• decomposer
• herbivore
• omnivore

An ecosystem is a community of organisms interacting with their physical environment. Why are decomposers an important part of ecosystems?

• They break down dead organisms to return nutrients to the soil.
• They produce their own food for survival.
• They play a role in preventing weathering and erosion.
• They provide most of the energy to consumers.

Which best describes how decomposers help support life in an ecosystem?

• Decomposers add nutrients to the soil.
• Decomposers provide a habitat in the ecosystem.
• Decomposers add producers to the ecosystem.
• Decomposers provide energy for consumers.

Which best describes the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• Decomposers eat consumers and pass along energy.
• Decomposers eat scavengers and pass along energy.
• Decomposers get energy from the sun to help producers.
• Decomposers get energy by breaking down decaying matter.

Which is an example of a decomposer?

• a hawk
• a mouse
• a flower
• a mushroom

Which describes a decomposer?

• an organism that eats only plants
• an organism that makes its own food
• an organism that breaks down dead matter
• an organism that receives energy from the sun

Which is considered a decomposer?

• fungi
• mold
• bacteria
• all of the above

Which organism assists in the breakdown of dead matter?

• beetles

• ants

• worms

• all of these

A living organism that puts materials from dead plants and animals back to the soil is called a ____________.

• carnivore

• decomposer

• herbivore

• omnivore