Question

In general nutrient cycling, what typically is the next step after the producer?

A) Consumer
B) Decomposer
C) Predator
D) Ecosystem

Answer 1

The next step after the producer in nutrient cycling is the decomposer (B), which breaks down dead organisms and other organic wastes, releasing inorganic molecules back into the environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The next step after the producer in nutrient cycling is the decomposer (B).

Decomposers break down dead organisms and other organic wastes, releasing inorganic molecules back into the environment. They play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in an ecosystem. For example, mushrooms on a decaying log and bacteria in the soil are decomposers.

Without decomposers, the waste and remains of dead organisms would pile up, and nutrients would not be released back into the ecosystem. This would disrupt the nutrient cycle and affect the growth and survival of other organisms in the ecosystem.