To Recycle Nutrients,an Ecosystem Must Have,at a Minimum

Question

To recycle nutrients,an ecosystem must have,at a minimum,
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.

Accepted Answer

To recycle nutrients, an ecosystem must have both producers and decomposers. Producers use sunlight or chemical processes to create organic matter, which is then consumed by primary consumers. When these organisms die or produce waste, decomposers break down the organic matter and release nutrients back into the ecosystem, allowing for the cycle to continue. While having primary and secondary consumers can enhance the complexity of an ecosystem, they are not necessary for nutrient recycling.