How do decomposers decompose

Decomposing bacteria and fungi are described as saprophytic because of the way they break down dead organic matter. Saprophytic nutrition involves:. Humus is the organic content of the soil formed from decomposing plants and animals.

Decomposition happens quickly when:. Metro Vancouver Worm Composting Brochure. Objectives List and identify examples of decomposers and describe their role within a simple food web. Differentiate between compostable waste and non-biodegradable waste. Explore the active process of decomposition. Create a worm compost farm. Materials See activities for materials.

Background Energy enters the food chain from the sun. Vocabulary Biodegradability: Biological and biochemical breakdown of organic materials by the environment. Invertebrate: An animal that lacks a backbone or spinal column. Not only are they a healthy part of our meals, providing nutrients,…. Backyard Biodiversity Who do we share our homes with?

Your backyard contain a great deal of wildlife. Animals will live in any…. We believe that now, more than ever, the world needs people who care about science. Help us fund the future and next generation of problem solvers, wonder seekers, world changers and nerds. Donate Now. There are many fungi that are helpful.

Penicillin and other antibiotics are made from fungi. Some fungi like mushrooms, truffles and yeast are edible or used in making food.

Other fungi are harmful. Decomposers Back to the Beginning When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers like bacteria, fungi and earthworms. Decomposers or saprotrophs recycle dead plants and animals into chemical nutrients like carbon and nitrogen that are released back into the soil, air and water. The Mighty Bacteria Bacteria can be found everywhere. They live in the water, in the air and on land.

Bacteria are prokaryotic , which means they don't have a nucleus or a mitochondrea like other single-celled organisms. Bacteria are among the smallest forms of life on Earth. In fact, you may have up to million bacteria in your body right now! Some bacteria are harmful and cause diseases like typhoid and cholera.

Other bacteria are helpful. You have bacteria in your digestive tract that kills more harmful bacteria. Some ruminants like moose, sheep, and deer have bacteria in their stomachs that help them digest plants.