Decomposers, organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and certain invertebrates, facilitate the breakdown of dead organic matter. This process releases essential elements locked within the tissues of deceased plants and animals. For instance, when a leaf falls to the forest floor, decomposers break down its complex organic molecules into simpler inorganic forms.
The process is a fundamental aspect of ecological health. Without it, nutrients would remain bound in dead organisms, becoming unavailable to living plants and other organisms. This would drastically limit primary productivity and ultimately, the overall biodiversity and stability of ecosystems. Historically, the understanding of this biological activity has grown alongside advancements in microbiology and soil science, revealing intricate networks of interactions that sustain life.
