Question

Decomposers like fungi and bacteria are
(i) autotrophs
(ii) heterotrophs
(iii) Saprotrophs
(iv) Chemo-autotrophs
Choose the correct answer
A. (i) and (iii)
B. (i) and (iv)
C. (ii) and (iii)
D. (i) and (ii)

Answer 1

Decomposers and transformers are a living part of the ecosystem. fungi and bacteria are important composers; they attack the remains of dead producers and consumers and break down complex organic substances into simpler compounds. The dead remains will not be degraded without decomposers and reused into other living matter.

Complete answer:
Decomposers are organisms which degrade dead or rotting organisms and decompose them, a process which only specific kingdoms, like fungi, can do.
- An autotrophic is also an organism that uses carbon from basic substances like carbon dioxide to generate complex organic compounds like sugars, protein and fat, usually utilizing light energy and inorganic chemical reactions.
- Decomposers become heterotrophic, which means that by ingesting organic material they obtain their energy. To develop and replicate, propagating their organisms, a dead organism provides nourishment for decomposers including bacteria and fungi to use.
- A heterotroph is also an organism which instead of obtaining nutrients from other sources of organic carbon, predominantly plant or animal matter, cannot generate its food.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note: While bacteria are limited to the growth and eating of organic matter on exposed surfaces, fungi may use their hyphae to infiltrate larger pieces of organic material below the soil. Moreover, the enzymes required to disintegrate lignin, a chemically complex compound contained in wood, only have developed in wood-decay fungi. These two causes allow fungi in forests, the main decomposers, where litter has elevated lignin concentrations and sometimes exists in large parts. In each ecosystem, decomposers play a significant role.