Which organisms are decomposers

Others, like fungi, can be seen. Others, like some kinds of bacteria, prefer breaking down meat or waste from carnivores. Actinolites only break down dead plants, including hard to break down plants and the waste of herbivores. Others, like certain kinds of fungi, prefer fruits and vegetables. What is a Decomposer? What Do Decomposers Do? Types of Decomposers There are two main kinds of decomposers , scavengers and decomposers.

Examples of Decomposers in Aquatic Ecosystems Aquatic decomposers live in water-based environments that are marine or freshwater. Examples of Decomposers in Oceans There are more decomposers in tropical oceans, like the Pacific, because of the warmer temperatures. Christmas tree worm: uses feathery appendages to catch organic matter floating in the water Crab: saltwater crabs are considered scavengers who eat any edible matter they find Granulated sea star: moves along rocks and other stationary surfaces and cleans up dead organic matter Hagfish: while these eel-like creatures do sometimes hunt, they are mostly scavengers who can sit inside a dead carcass and absorb the nutrients from it Sea urchin: these spiny creatures are both consumers and decomposers because they scrape organic matter off rocks to feed on it Tube worm: this deep sea creature depends on the waste made by bacteria inside its body to live.

Examples of Decomposers in Freshwater Freshwater decomposers are mostly bacteria and are typically found at the bottom of lakes, ponds, or rivers. Mildew: type of bacteria found in or near water Trumpet snail: this type of snail is a scavenger sometimes considered a pest Water mold: type of bacteria found in freshwater or wet soil Yeast: type of bacteria found in freshwater lakes.

Examples of Decomposers in Terrestrial Ecosystems Terrestrial decomposers live on land in all different types of ecosystems. Examples of Forest Ecosystem Decomposers Decomposers in the forest are typically found on the forest floor. Dung beetle: insect that feeds off animal feces Fly: insect that feeds off decaying materials Millipede: arthropod that feeds of decaying plant material Saharan silver ant: fast ants who thrive in deserts and feed off things like animal carcasses.

Some plastics we can reuse or recycle—and many play important roles in areas like medicine and public safety—but other items, such as straws, are designed for only one use. In fact, more than 40 percent of plastic is used only once before it is thrown away, where it lingers in the environment for a long, long time. It often breaks down into smaller and smaller particles, called microplastics, which can be ingested by both animals and people.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help—like stop using plastic bags, straws, and bottles, recycling when we can, and disposing of waste properly.

Use these classroom resources to teach about ocean plastics and check back for more coming later this year! Encyclopedic entry. Humus is dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant and animal matter decays. When plants drop leaves, twigs, and other material to the ground, it piles up. An illustration gallery and information on the African savannah ecosystem.

Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students. Skip to content. Image Millipede Detritivore While decomposers break down dead, organic materials, detritivores—like millipedes, earthworms, and termites—eat dead organisms and wastes. Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google Classroom. Encyclopedic Entry Vocabulary.

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