Decomposer
Contents
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Decomposers are organisms that break down waste and the remains of a dead organisms in a process called rotting.
About Decomposers
- Bacteria and fungi are often decomposers.
- Decomposers break down waste and dead organisms into simple molecules that are returned to the soil or atmosphere.
- Decomposers produce large amounts of Carbon Dioxide as they decompose an organism.
- Decomposers are an important part of the Carbon Cycle and Nitrogen Cycle.
References
AQA
- Decomposer, pages 323, 342-3, 354, GCSE Biology; Student Book, Collins, AQA
- Decomposers, page 120, GCSE Biology; The Revision Guide, CGP, AQA
- Decomposers, page 257, GCSE Biology, Hodder, AQA
- Decomposers, page 354, GCSE Biology, CGP, AQA
- Decomposers, pages 278, 288-289, 303, GCSE Biology; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Edexcel
- Decomposer organisms, page 141, GCSE Combined Science, Pearson Edexcel
- Decomposer organisms, pages 199, 202, GCSE Biology, Pearson, Edexcel
- Decomposers, pages 301, 302, 307, GCSE Biology, CGP, Edexcel