Recycling of Materials by Decomposers Sara B. (5-1-12) 9 TH
Grade ~ Why are decomposers important to an ecosystem?~
Slide 2
What is a decomposer? A decomposer is a creature or organism
that breaks down organic matter such as dead animals and plant
materials. Some commonly know decomposers are bacteria, fungi and
worms.
Slide 3
Bacteria Bacteria are the simplest organisms on the planet.
Bacteria are unicellular animals and are prokaryotic. In just one
spoonful of rich, dark soil, there are more bacterial organisms
than there are human beings on the planet earth.
Slide 4
Fungi A fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic
organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and molds as
well as mushrooms. eukaryoticyeastsmoldsmushrooms
Slide 5
Worms Worms are also decomposers. Maybe one of the most
important. Without worms we wouldnt be able to plant or grow
anything in the soil.
Slide 6
How do decomposers help in recycling the nutrients in the
ecosystem? They help by decomposing waste and turning them into
nutrients. For example rotting apples in fridge decomposers reduce
the matter and release nutrients.
Slide 7
What would happen if decomposers were removed from the
ecosystem? There would be no organic nutrients and all the dead
plants would ruin the animals habitat. The ecosystem will be filled
by plants and animal wastes as there will be no decomposition of
waste material.
Slide 8
~Why are decomposers important to an ecosystem?~ The main
reason that decomposers are so important to an ecosystem is because
of their role in recycling nutrients back into the environment.
When a decomposer breaks down decaying organic material they
produce waste material. This waste material is rich with nutrients
gained from the decaying organic matter. The waste returns to the
soil and the nutrients are absorbed by plants. The plants are then
eaten by animals and the nutrients are passed from the plant to the
animal. Without decomposers ecosystems would not survive due to
lack of nutrients.recycling
Slide 9
Decomposers in the Food Chain Decomposers break down organics
into nutrients, which can be used by living organisms to create new
life. They also break down dead organisms into basic chemicals
which can then be used by other organisms to grow and build their
bodies, which can then be eaten by other organisms, thus continuing
the food chain.
Fun Facts Fungi and bacteria are not restricted to decomposing
leaves and other plant materials. They will decompose any dead
organic matter, whether it is a cardboard box, paint, glue, pair of
jeans, a leather jacket or jet fuel! American cities produce even
more garbage than forests, and very little of it decomposes and
becomes recycled into new plant growth by natural processes. Every
resident of Los Angeles produces 7 pounds of garbage per day! This
is equal to one ton of garbage per year per person.
Slide 12
Extra Vocabulary Compost - noun; a mixture of decaying matter
that is used for fertilizing, verb; a process for converting
organic waste into humus Consumer - organism that eats other
organisms Cycle - a recurring sequence of events Decomposer - any
of the organisms that eat and digest dead plants and animals, their
waste product is humus Food Chain - how organisms use one another
for food Humus - a brown or black material that is the result of
the digestion of dead plants and animals by decomposers, rich in
plant available nutrients Nutrient - anything that provides
nourishment Producer - level of organisms in the food chain that
manufacture their own food from carbon dioxide, water, sunlight and
minerals
Slide 13
$ Extra Pictures $ Decomposers in different climates and
settings.