Which group of organisms plays a key role in nutrient recycling in an ecosystem?

Decomposers play a crucial role in nutrient recycling within an ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, dead animals, and other waste products. This process releases essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, back into the soil, making them available for uptake by plants. As producers absorb these nutrients, they can grow and thrive, forming the foundation of the food web.

Decomposers, which include fungi, bacteria, and certain insects, are vital for maintaining the health and sustainability of ecosystems. Without them, dead matter would accumulate, and the cycling of nutrients would be disrupted, leading to a decline in soil fertility and ecosystem productivity. Their activity ensures that energy and materials continually flow through the food web, supporting various life forms at different trophic levels.

Producers, while crucial in generating energy through photosynthesis, rely on the nutrients recycled by decomposers. Consumers, including herbivores and carnivores, depend on producers for energy but do not contribute directly to the recycling of nutrients. Omnivores, which feed on both plants and animals, also rely on the nutrients provided by decomposers for their survival but do not perform the essential function of breaking down dead organic matter. Thus