Question

1. which phylum contains decomposers that break down dead plant and animal material, and can include pathogens, affecting amphibians and other animals?

ascomycota
zygomycota
basidiomycota
chytridiomycota

Explanation:

Chytridiomycota are known to be decomposers that break down dead plant and animal material. They can also act as pathogens, with some species affecting amphibians (e.g., Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis which causes chytridiomycosis in frogs). Ascomycota (e.g., yeasts, morels) have diverse roles like symbiosis and decomposition but are not the main ones affecting amphibians as pathogens in the context of this question. Zygomycota (e.g., bread molds) are mainly decomposers of plant material. Basidiomycota (e.g., mushrooms) are decomposers (wood - rot fungi) and symbionts but not the key pathogens for amphibians here.

Answer:

chytridiomycota