10 Facts about Decomposers

Friday, July 22nd 2016. | Biology

If you want to know the organisms which carry out the decomposition process, check Facts about Decomposers. Decomposers are very important in the natural cycle of life because they break down the decaying and dead organisms.  The growth and development of decomposers depend on the carbon and nutrients that they will get from the organic substrates. Actually they are like predators and herbivores because decomposers are heterotrophic.  Find out other facts about decomposers below:

Facts about Decomposers 1: the differences of decomposer and detritivore

Most people use decomposer and detritivore for similar meaning. Actually both are different. The latter one applies the internal process when digesting the dead matter. On the other hand, the decomposers do not have to apply any internal digestion to break down the organisms because they use the biochemical reactions. Find facts about deciduous forest here.

Facts about Decomposers 2: the examples of detritivores

Can you mention some detritivores? Those include sea cucumbers, woodlice and earthworms.



Facts about Decomposers 3: the main decomposer

Fungi are considered as the main decomposers of litter or wastes in various ecosystems. The growth of fungi is characterized with the presence of hyphae.

Facts about Decomposers 4: bacteria

Bacteria also decompose materials. They are the unicellular organisms which can break down only the surfaces of organic matters. Get facts about bacterial cells here.

Decomposer Image

Decomposer Image

Facts about Decomposers 5: the larger pieces of organic matters

The larger pieces of organic matters are easier to break down by fungi because they can use the hyphae.

Facts about Decomposers 6: the wood

The fungi also have the ability to decompose lignin found in the wood because they have evolved enzymes.

Decomposers Pictures

Decomposers Pictures

Facts about Decomposers 7: the primary decomposers in the forest

Due to the characteristics of fungi, the organisms are considered as the main decomposers for the larger pieces of organic matters and high level of lignin in the forests.

Facts about Decomposers 8: how do fungi decompose?

The decomposing process of fungi occurs by breaking down the decaying or dead material using the released enzymes. Then the fungi will get the nutrient from the material via absorption.

Facts about Decomposers

Facts about Decomposers

Facts about Decomposers 9: the function of hyphae

The function of hyphae is not only related to decomposing, but also for reproduction process.

Facts about Decomposers 10: how does the reproduction occur via hyphae?

Another fungus will be formed by two compatible hyphae located nearby. They will fuse to create a new fungus.



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