Dead organisms, faeces, fallen leaves and shed tissues supply organic matter in detritus. In IB Biology SL C4.2.5, focus on how decomposers obtain energy from its carbon compounds and how questions identify the material they use.
Food chains combine to form food webs in an ecosystem.
Describe the role of decomposers in ecosystems.
a. decomposers are bacteria/fungi/invertebrates;
b. break down dead organic matter / faeces;
c. release/recycle minerals/nutrients (into the environment);
For b. there MUST be a reference to the matter being dead / deceased etc. but we can accept other clear references.
Marking guidance:
Do not accept reference to recycling carbon alone as this is not a unique property of decomposers.