Question

what is the role of decomposers in nutrient cycling?
to permanently destroy nutrients
to prevent nutrients from returning to cycle
to absorb nutrients from the soil
to convert nutrients back into their basic forms

Explanation:

Decomposers play a crucial role in nutrient cycling. They break down dead organisms and waste materials. Through this process, they convert complex organic nutrients (like proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) back into their basic inorganic forms (such as minerals, water, carbon - dioxide). This conversion allows these nutrients to be reused by primary producers (like plants) in the ecosystem. For example, when a plant dies, decomposers like fungi and bacteria break it down. The nutrients released from the plant (such as nitrogen, phosphorus) go back into the soil. These nutrients are then absorbed by other plants for their growth.

Answer:

to convert nutrients back into their basic forms