Decomposers

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Decomposers are organisms which break down dead or decaying organic material. This most commonly includes bacteria, fungi, and invertebrates. The material broken down in decomposition is referred to as detritus. Detritus is matter composed of leaves and other plant parts, animal remains, waste products, and other organic debris that falls onto the soil or into bodies of water from surrounding terrestrial communities. [1]

Characteristics

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Diversity

Bacteria

Fungi

Invertebrates

Function

References

Citations

  1. Lotha, Gloria. “Detritus.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 15 May 2020, https://www.britannica.com/science/detritus.
  2. “Organisms in Composting.” Texas A&M AgriLife , Aggie Horticulture, Feb. 2009, https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/dont-bag-it/chapter-1-the-decomposition-process/. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.