Chapter 2, Problem 14STP

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

How a forest ecosystem might differ without the presence of decomposers and detritivores.

Introduction:

Forest Ecosystem: The Ecosystem in which trees are dominant species.

Decomposers: Organisms which break down the dead organic material by releasing digestive enzymes and return nutrients in the ecosystem which is used by organisms.

Detritivores: Organisms which eat fragments of dead matter present in the ecosystem and help in return of nutrients to the soil, air and water where it can be used by all organisms.

Explanation of Solution

In general all heterotrophs more or less help in the decomposition when they feed on other organisms and break down its body into organic compounds.

As we know, detritivores (worms, aquatic insects) feed on small pieces of dead plants and animals by which nutrients present in it is released into the soil. Similarly decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down organic compounds and make it reusable for producers (green plants).

In a forest ecosystem many species of plants and animals live and interact with each other for their survival. When any living organism dies in the ecosystem and if there are no detritivores and decomposers, then the dead body of animals and plants won’t be degraded and decomposed and thus entire ecosystem will be littered with dead organisms. Nutrients will remain in dead material and will not be released into the ecosystem to be used by all other organisms including plants.

Conclusion

In the absence of decomposers and detritivores, nutrient cycle will not be completed. So producers will not be able to produce food and in the long run in the absence of food, the entire ecosystem will be destroyed.