Biology A-Level
decomposers
What decomposers means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of decomposers
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Reference: OCR
Bacteria and fungi that break down dead organisms and waste, releasing inorganic nutrients.
Microorganisms return elements to the inorganic pool when organisms die.
Topics that use decomposers
- Nutrient cycles (A-level only) (AQA A-Level)
- Ecosystems (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- saprobionts
- abiotic factors
- algal bloom
- ammonification
- artificial fertilisers
- biomass
- Biotic factors
- Colonisation of bare ground
Using decomposers in the exam
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