Decomposers are the heterotrophs that feed on dead and decaying bodies of living beings. During the process, decomposers break down the complex organic materials present in the dead and decaying matter into the simpler elements. These simpler elements are then released into the environment. Decomposers serve to recycle the matter back into the food web and biogeochemical cycles and do not allow it to be trapped in the dead and decaying matter.
A simplified food web illustrating a three-trophic food chain (producers-herbivores-carnivores) linked to decomposers. The movement of mineral nutrients through the food chain, into the mineral nutrient pool, and back into the trophic system illustrates ecological recycling.
