Question

which of the following statements are true? select all that apply.
if decomposers were illustrated in a food web, an arrow would be drawn from each organism to the decomposers.
detritivores are a type of decomposer.
decomposers break down dead and decaying organisms and their waste.
decomposers only exist on land, but not in the ocean.
bacteria and fungi are examples of decomposers.
without decomposers matter would still be recycled in an ecosystem.

Explanation:

• First statement: In a food web, decomposers break down all dead organisms (producers, consumers), so an arrow from each organism to decomposers is correct.
• Second statement: Detritivores (e.g., earthworms) consume dead organic matter and are a type of decomposer.
• Third statement: This is the basic function of decomposers.
• Fourth statement: Decomposers exist in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems (e.g., marine bacteria).
• Fifth statement: Bacteria and fungi are well - known decomposers.
• Sixth statement: Decomposers are crucial for matter recycling in an ecosystem. Without them, dead matter would accumulate and nutrients would not be recycled.

Answer:

• If decomposers were illustrated in a food web, an arrow would be drawn from each organism to the decomposers.
• Detritivores are a type of decomposer.
• Decomposers break down dead and decaying organisms and their waste.
• Bacteria and fungi are examples of decomposers.