To recycle nutrients, the minimum an ecosystem must have is
A)producers.
B)producers and decomposers.
C)producers, primary consumers, and decomposers.
D)producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and decomposers.
E)producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, top carnivores, and decomposers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decomposers are necessary to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the environment for producers to use again. Without decomposers, nutrients would become locked up in dead organisms and unavailable for new growth. Producers are also necessary to convert sunlight into energy for the ecosystem. Primary and secondary consumers and top carnivores are important for maintaining ecosystem balance but are not essential for nutrient recycling.

To Recycle Nutrients, the Minimum an Ecosystem Must Have Is