Earthworms, small insects, and microorganisms live in the soil and break down dead plants and animals. What would happen to an ecosystem if this process was compromised?
A.
There would be more energy available to consumers in the ecosystem.
B.
The carrying capacity of the ecosystem would be limited.
C.
The soil quality of the ecosystem would dramatically improve.
D.
The population of green plants in the ecosystem would increase.
B. The carrying capacity of the ecosystem would be limited.
By breaking down dead plants and animals, earthworms, insects, and microorganisms help recycle nutrients back into the soil, which in turn allows plants to grow. If this process was compromised, there would be a buildup of decaying organic matter in the ecosystem, leading to a decrease in nutrient availability for plants. This would ultimately limit the carrying capacity of the ecosystem, as the lack of nutrients would impact the ability of plants to grow and support the rest of the food chain.