In the context of biogeochemical cycles, how do decomposers help other organisms in an ecosystem?

• A. They break down dead organic matter and waste, releasing inorganic nutrients back into the soil and water for producers to reuse.
• B. They convert solar energy into chemical energy that directly feeds primary consumers.
• C. They prevent nutrient loss by locking carbon and nitrogen permanently in dead biomass.
• D. They increase the availability of nutrients by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into sugars during photosynthesis.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of decomposers in biogeochemical cycles: decomposers are organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down dead organic matter and waste products.
2. Recognize that when decomposers break down this organic material, they release inorganic nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon compounds back into the soil and water.
3. These inorganic nutrients become available for uptake by producers (such as plants and algae), which use them to grow and carry out photosynthesis.
4. Note that decomposers do not convert solar energy into chemical energy; that is the role of producers (photosynthetic organisms).
5. Also, decomposers do not fix atmospheric nitrogen into sugars or permanently lock nutrients in biomass; instead, they recycle nutrients, maintaining ecosystem nutrient availability.