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Why decomposer's are not included in any food chain?
A decomposer in a food chain is an organism that breaks down dead or decaying organisms. Decomposers make use of dead organisms and non-living organic compounds as their source of food. Decomposers are nature's recyclers as they break down the organic matter found in the dead bodies of plants and animals. The term 'organic matter' refers to the matter that comes from living organisms. Decomposers are chiefly the micro-organisms such as bacteria and fungi in the form or yeasts and moulds that break down bodies of dead organisms and release compounds that can be used by producers. Some of these compounds include nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium. There are more than 100 000 different types of decomposer organisms.

Bacteria and fungi produce chemicals, called enzymes that digest dead material. The digested material then provides a food source for other organisms in the soil. This makes the role of a decomposer extremely important in an ecosystem. Without them, organic matter would pile up on the ground and plants would not receive the required nutrients necessary for their survival. The decomposing process greatly increases the nutrient-load of an ecosystem which allows for greater biodiversity.
Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, complete the food chain. Decomposers turn organic wastes, such as decaying plants, into inorganic materials, such as nutrient-rich soil. They complete the cycle of life, returning nutrients to the soil or oceans for use by autotrophs. This starts a whole new series of food chains.


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