They break down dead organisms to return nutrients to the soil. They produce their own food for survival. They play a role in preventing weathering and erosion. They provide most of the energy to consumers.
I gave my students this multiple choice question: An ecosystem is a community of organisms interacting with their physical environment. Why are decomposers an important part of ecosystems?

Only one answer is correct among these 4 choices:
- They break down dead organisms to return nutrients to the soil.
- They produce their own food for survival.
- They play a role in preventing weathering and erosion.
- They provide most of the energy to consumers.

Could you tell me which one is correct?

They break down dead organisms to return nutrients to the soil.