Which of the following is an example of a decomposer at work in the food web? A. A fungus growing on a log B. A tree growing in a field C. A grasshopper eating leaves D. A seagull catching a fish
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is A. A fungus growing on a log.
In a food web, decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by breaking down complex organic materials, making them available to other organisms in the food web.
A fungus is a classic example of a decomposer. Fungi, such as mushrooms or molds, break down organic matter like fallen leaves, wood, or dead animals. In the case of a fungus growing on a log, it is feeding on the decaying wood. Fungi secrete enzymes that decompose the complex organic compounds (like cellulose and lignin) in the log into simpler molecules, which they then absorb as nutrients. This process helps to break down and recycle nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, which are essential for the growth of plants and other organisms in the ecosystem.
Let’s break down why the other options are not decomposers:
- B. A tree growing in a field: Trees are producers, not decomposers. They use sunlight, water, and nutrients from the soil to create their own food through photosynthesis. While they contribute to the ecosystem, they don’t break down dead organic matter.
- C. A grasshopper eating leaves: Grasshoppers are primary consumers (herbivores). They feed on plants, but they do not decompose or recycle nutrients from dead organisms.
- D. A seagull catching a fish: Seagulls are also consumers, specifically secondary or tertiary consumers, depending on their diet. They prey on fish or smaller animals but do not engage in decomposition.
Therefore, the fungus growing on a log is the correct example of a decomposer in this list.
