Home Preparation for National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)/ Olympiad
Chapter : 8. Our Environment
Decomposers
Decomposers : They are saprophytes which obtain their nourishment from organic remains. Decomposers secrete enzymes over the organic remains. It causes breakdown of organic remains into simpler and soluble substances that are absorbed by saprophytes. In the process various inorganic raw materials are released. The phenomenon is called mineralisation. They are also known as microconsumers because they are small sized heterotrophs, e.g., many bacteria many fungi. Detrivores (Scavengers) : They are animals which feed on dead bodies, e.g., vultures, kites, detrivores help in quick disposal of corpses.