Question

What will happen if all the decomposers were eliminated from the Earth? Explain.

Answer 1

Hint: Decomposers are the organisms that help in the breakdown of dead or decaying matter as they carry the decomposition process. The decomposition process is only carried out by certain kingdoms like fungi. Decomposers are heterotrophic animals that use organic substances to get their energy and nutrients for their growth and development.

Complete step by step answer:
Decomposers are very important as they help in the decomposition of various dead and decaying matter. If all the decomposers are eliminated it will cause piling up of excretions, dead bodies of various plants and animals, and litter. This will lead to a shortage of free space as there will be numerous dead and decaying matter on the Earth. This shortage of free space will adversely affect the new generations of plants and animals. Another very important drawback will be the non-cycling of biogenetic nutrients. If all the decomposers are eliminated then it will result in all available biogenetic nutrients to be tied up in the organic matter. This will further lead to the synthesis of organic matter that will stop which will result in the destruction of life on Earth. Therefore, the decomposers are very important for sustaining life on the planet. These organisms help in various forms and are essential parts of the ecosystem.

Note: Fungi are best-known decomposers as they have hyphae which help them to penetrate larger pieces of organic matter below the surface. Fungi also help in the decomposition of wood as it is composed of lignin which is a complex organic substance found in wood.