The Role of Decomposers in

the Ecosystem

What are Decomposers? Decomposers are

organisms that use

dead plant & material as

food. Breaks down dead

things, but can also feast on decaying flesh while still on a living organism.

Niche

Decomposers break down material, getting the energy they need to live and releasing elements back into the environment to be reused by other organisms.

Decomposers at Work

Decomposers are….

Simple plants such as bacteria and fungi (like mushrooms). Most are microscopic organisms.

Common non-microscopic examples are earthworms, slugs, snails, & some insects.

The dead things that are eaten by decomposers are called detritus,

which means "garbage". 

Decomposers in the Pond Ecosystem

Located everywhere but more abundant at the bottom.

Dead plants and animals settle.

That is why pond muck smells bad.

Decomposers in the Forest

Abundant in the forest top layers of the soil.

Niche 2

Decomposer are the janitors of nature.

Composting