consumes dead tissue or decaying organisms
A decomposer is an organism that consumes dead tissue or decaying organisms. Decomposers play a critical role in ecosystems as they break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the environment. Some examples of decomposers include fungi, bacteria, worms, and certain insects.
The organism that consumes dead tissue or decaying organisms is called a decomposer. Decomposers are an important part of the food chain and ecosystem, as they break down dead organic matter into simpler nutrients that can be recycled back into the environment.
There are different types of decomposers, including bacteria, fungi, and certain types of insects. Bacteria and fungi are the primary decomposers in most ecosystems. Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms that break down organic matter by secreting enzymes that break down complex molecules into simpler ones. Fungi, on the other hand, are multicellular organisms, and they obtain nutrients by releasing enzymes that decompose organic matter externally and then absorbing the nutrients from the broken-down material.
To find out more about decomposers, their role in ecosystems, and the specific organisms that act as decomposers, you can refer to biology textbooks, online biology resources, or scientific articles. National Geographic and Encyclopedia Britannica are also reliable sources to learn more about decomposers.