Q21 of 163 Page 226

Define decomposers. Name one decomposer.

(A) Decomposers are organism that breakdown the organic components of dead and decaying matter (plants and animals) into simpler substances and feeds on them. Decomposers are usually microorganisms like bacteria and fungi which obtain their nutrients from dead and decaying matter.


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19

Fill in the following blanks with suitable words:

(a) Decomposer organisms are................in their action.


(b) In nature, all green plants are..................... whereas animals are consumers.


(c) A series of organisms, each of which feeds on the next organism, the beginning of which is a green plant, is called a..................


(d) The science that deals with the inter-relationships of living things with one another and their environment is called....................


(e) Plastic is a ......................material whereas paper is a..................material.

 20

Explain the terms 'producer' and 'consumer'. Give two examples of producers and two of consumers.

 21

What is the role of decomposers in the ecosystem?

 22

What is meant by a primary consumer, secondary consumer and a tertiary consumer? Give one example of each.