[Campbell Biology P.716] The text states that 'Without decomposers, life as we know it would... | Practice Question

The text states that 'Without decomposers, life as we know it would cease.' Based on the information provided regarding fungi as decomposers, which of the following best explains why this statement is true?

  • A: Fungi produce oxygen, and without them, the atmosphere would lack sufficient oxygen for life.
  • B: Fungi consume all organic matter, leading to an overaccumulation of biomass that suffocates other life forms.
  • C: Fungi are essential for returning inorganic nutrients from dead organic matter back to the soil, which are vital for plant growth and thus the entire food web.
  • D: Fungi are the primary producers of energy in most ecosystems, and without them, energy flow would stop.

Explanation

The 'Fungi as Decomposers' section explains that fungi and bacteria are responsible for 'keeping ecosystems stocked with the inorganic nutrients essential for plant growth.' It further states, 'Without these decomposers, carbon, nitrogen, and other elements would remain tied up in organic matter. If that were to happen, plants and the animals that eat them could not exist because elements taken from the soil would not be returned.'