11-3 What are decomposers?
Aim: What are decomposers?
OBJECTIVE: Explain the role of decomposers in the environment.
Key Terms
nutrient (NOO-tree-uhnt): chemical substance that is needed to carry out life processes
decomposer: organism that breaks down the wastes or remains of other organisms
Lesson Summary
• Nutrients are chemicals necessary for life processes.
• Decomposers break down dead organisms and their wastes and release their nutrients into the soil.
• Without decomposers, the world would be crowded with the remains of dead organisms, and
nutrients would be scarce.
• Decomposers include bacteria and fungi.
OBJECTIVE: Explain the role of decomposers in the environment.
Key Terms
nutrient (NOO-tree-uhnt): chemical substance that is needed to carry out life processes
decomposer: organism that breaks down the wastes or remains of other organisms
Lesson Summary
• Nutrients are chemicals necessary for life processes.
• Decomposers break down dead organisms and their wastes and release their nutrients into the soil.
• Without decomposers, the world would be crowded with the remains of dead organisms, and
nutrients would be scarce.
• Decomposers include bacteria and fungi.