What is the primary role of decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, in an ecosystem?

To break down dead plants and animals

To be the main food source for large animals

The idea that atoms from a dead leaf can later become part of a living tree best demonstrates which scientific principle?

Energy is lost in every transfer

Matter is recycled within an ecosystem

New matter is created by sunlight

Living things can grow without nutrients

To add rich nutrients to the soil

To make the soil a lighter color

To kill any weeds growing in the garden

To prevent water from evaporating

Decomposers release nutrients from dead organisms.

Plants absorb nutrients directly from dead animals without any intermediate step.

The sun's energy is the primary force that breaks down complex dead matter.

Matter is permanently lost from the ecosystem when an animal dies.

It is destroyed and vanishes forever.

It is converted directly into sunlight.