Biology GCSE
Decomposers
What Decomposers means in Biology GCSE, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Decomposers
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Reference: OCR
Bacteria and microscopic fungi that break down dead plant matter, animal carcasses and excreted waste, driving nutrient recycling in ecosystems.
Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that obtain energy and nutrients from dead plant and animal matter and from waste products.
Organisms that break down dead material at all levels and are not given a numbered trophic level in a food chain.
Topics that use Decomposers
- Trophic levels (AQA GCSE)
- Ecosystems (OCR GCSE)
Related terms
- Photosynthesis
- Primary consumers
- Producers
- abiotic and biotic components
- abiotic factors
- Absorption of soluble nutrients
- aerobic and anaerobic decomposition
- Algae
Using Decomposers in the exam
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