A student is studying microorganisms and recalls that one type of microorganism decomposes organic matter while another type fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere.
Which two types of microorganisms is the student describing?
Select TWO correct answers.
Fungi
Algae
Viruses
Bacteria
Parasites
Plants
The two correct answers are Bacteria and Fungi. Bacteria decompose organic matter, and some types of bacteria have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. Fungi primarily decompose organic matter. Algae are photosynthetic organisms that often fix carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Viruses are not considered microorganisms as they are not considered living organisms. Parasites are organisms that live on or in another organism, but they do not necessarily decompose organic matter or fix nitrogen. Plants also fix carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, but they do not decompose organic matter or fix nitrogen.
