With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer organism/organisms? Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only

Fungi and bacteria are the decomposers.

Statement by statement

1. ✗ NO Viruses are not cellular; they only replicate inside living cells and do not break down dead matter.

2. ✓ YES Fungi break down wood and leaves.

3. ✓ YES Bacteria break down all kinds of dead matter.

The idea

A decomposer feeds on dead matter by releasing digestive juices onto it and absorbing what dissolves. In doing so it returns the nutrients locked in dead bodies to the soil. Only fungi and bacteria live this way. A virus is not even a complete cell; it can multiply only inside a living cell.

Plant or animal dies → Bacteria and fungi grow on it → Complex matter is broken into simple salts → Salts return to soil and water → Plants take them up again

The trap

Viruses are lumped with microbes, so they feel like decomposers too.

Also know

Without decomposers, dead matter would pile up and the supply of nutrients for new growth would run out.