Which term describes the organism that breaks down organic matter into simpler compounds, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem?

• A. Decomposer
• B. Detritivore
• C. Omnivore
• D. Herbivore

Answer: (A)

Organisms that break down organic matter into simpler compounds, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem, are decomposers. They carry out chemical breakdown of dead material, releasing inorganic nutrients like minerals and carbon dioxide that plants can reuse. Fungi and bacteria are classic examples. This decomposing action is what truly recycles matter, rather than just tearing material apart or consuming it. Detritivores, such as earthworms, do help decay by physically processing detritus and ingesting it, but the term that describes the chemical breakdown into simpler nutrients is decomposer. Omnivores and herbivores consume living or recently dead matter and do not primarily drive this nutrient-recycling process.