Question

The fungi which derive their food directly from dead organic matter are known as
A. Predators
B. Decomposers
C. Mutualists
D. Parasitic fungi

Answer 1

Hint:
Decomposers are microscopic organisms, including protozoa and bacteria. Other decomposers are large enough to see without a microscope. They include fungi together with invertebrate organisms sometimes called detritivores, which include earthworms, termites, and millipedes. An organism (such as a bacterium or a fungus) that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter is called a decomposer. Examples include Psychrophiles, Protozoans, Yeast, and Molds.

Complete answer:
Decomposers are organisms that break down dead plants or animals into the substances that plants need for growth. Any organism which will make its own food with energy from the sun, CO₂ and water is called an ​autotroph​, which is additionally known as a ​primary producer. ​ Therefore, grass may be a producer, then are trees, bushes, flowers and every other member of the plant kingdom. Decomposers include bacteria, fungi, earthworms, millipedes and bug larvae. Billions of those organisms live in the top layer of the soil. A process possible by only certain kingdoms, like fungi like herbivores and predators, decomposers are heterotrophic, meaning that they use organic substrates to urge their energy, carbon and nutrients for growth and development. While the terms decomposer and detritivore are often interchangeably used, detritivores ingest and digest dead matter internally, while decomposers directly absorb nutrients through external chemical and biological processes. Thus, invertebrates like earthworms.
So, the correct answer is:- Decomposers.

Option ‘B’ is correct

Note:
The primary decomposer of litter in many ecosystems is fungi. Unlike bacteria, which are unicellular organisms and are decomposers also, most saprotrophic fungi grow as a branching network of hyphae. While bacteria are restricted to growing and feeding on the exposed surfaces of organic matter, fungi can use their hyphae to penetrate larger pieces of organic matter, below the surface. Additionally, only wood-decay fungi have evolved the enzymes necessary to decompose lignin, a chemically complex substance found in wood. These two factors make fungi the first decomposers in forests, where litter has high concentrations of lignin and sometimes occurs in large pieces.