Decomposers

What is a decomposer?

An organism that breaks down dead organisms and wastes to live and grow.

An organism that works with fungi and bacteria to break down dead material.

Earthworms

How is excess energy stored by fungi?

Fungi store excess food as sugar, however, they do not store fat as excess food.

What types of wastes are created by bacteria?

Methane gas and carbon dioxide are wastes that are created by bacteria.

dormant bacteria

The bacteria is still alive, but it is not developing or growing.

What can be added to a compost pile?

You can add grass clippings, fruit and veggie peels, leaves, eggshells, coffee grounds, and shredded newspaper.

Mushrooms are a type of......

fungi

Mold is a type of.......

fungus that breaks down food.

Decomposers ____________the materials they digest

recycle

bacteria

some types of bacteria are decomposers