With reference to the food chains in ecosystems, which of the following kinds of organism is/are known as decomposer organism/organisms? 1. Virus 2. Fungi 3. Bacteria Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
- A1 only
- B2 and 3 onlyCorrect
- C1 and 3 only
- D1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Decomposer organisms break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
- Virus: Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites; they replicate within living cells and do not decompose dead organic material. So, viruses are not decomposers.
- Fungi: Fungi are primary decomposers. They secrete enzymes to break down complex organic compounds in dead organisms and absorb the nutrients.
- Bacteria: Many types of bacteria are also crucial decomposers, breaking down dead plants and animals and recycling nutrients.
Therefore, only Fungi and Bacteria are known as decomposer organisms.
The final answer is B) 2 and 3 only.
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