This blog contains Types and Roles of Decomposers and Stages of Decomposition process in detail. It also contain information about them in Biodiversity and the Decomposition process. This is a complete guide about the importance of Decomposition process in the Environment and Ecosystem stability.
What are Decomposers in Biodiversity?
Decomposers are the organisms that break down Organic Matter into simpler inorganic materials that are useful for the Environment. These organisms may be Fungi, Bacteria or other tiny invertebrates.
The group of Decomposers plays important roles in maintaining the Nutrient shift in the Environment. The dead bodies of plants and animals a left onto the Soil. The work of decomposers starts there. These breakdown the dead organic matter into simpler forms in which they can be easily absorbed by the soil and also Environment. Without these tiny organisms, the Earth would be full of dead plants and animals and they would never decompose on Earth.
These organisms are very small and most of the time microscopic in appearance. Biodiversity return their nutrients and minerals when they are dead and this is possible with the help of decomposers. This blog contains Types, Roles, and stages of decomposition by Decomposers.
Decomposers vs Detritivores
- Decomposers break down dead organic matter by enzymes and Detritivores ingest dead organic matter as food.
- Decomposers release nutrients directly into the environment and Detritivores physically break down by digestion process.
- Decomposers have a significant role in nutrient cycling by returning them back to the environment. Detritivores return the nutrients to the environment in the form of feces.
- Decomposers contribute in breaking down tougher materials like bone and wood. Detritivores contribute in soil aeration, water retention and nutrient cycling.
- Examples of Decomposers are, Fungi and Bacteria etc. Examples of Detritivores includes, earthworms, millipedes, wood lice etc.
Decomposers in Extreme Environments
The decomposers that thrive in the Extreme environments and and with the ecosystem with harsh conditions. These decomposers are called as Extremophiles. The decomposers have specialized mechanism to survive, including excellent enzymes, protein structures and cellular processes. These involve in the Bioremediation process, nutrient recycling and ecosystem stability. Amazing fact about decomposers is that many of their species can thrive in terrestrial environments where other tiny organisms can barely live and play their role. Every type of extreme environments have their own specialized decomposers to help the biodiversity survive in the harsh environmental conditions. Following are some of the examples of decomposers that can live for extreme environments:
Desert Decomposers
These are the decomposers including bacteria and fungi that can live in high temperatures and also can perform their niche.
Arctic Decomposers
These are particularly fungi, they have the ability to survive in the cold temperatures and decompose even in frozen environments.
Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Decomposers
These bacteria utilize chemical energy from deep-sea vents to drive metabolism. With that, they decompose complex substances.
What is the definition of Decomposition?
The process of decomposition can be defined as the conversion of complex substances into simpler substances that can be utilized easily.
Decomposition is one of the most important Natural Processes in the world. It is the basic process thar helps in the return of Nutrients back to the Environment. Some organisms are specialized in performing this process. All of the other organisms have no power to perform decomposition including the strongest and huge organisms. This important process is assigned to the smallest organisms on Earth. It makes those organisms very important in the Ecosystem and in maintaining Nutrient cycle and balance into the Environment.
We will have a complete description of Decomposers in this Blog. This blog contains Types, Roles and Stages of Decomposition by Decomposers in this Blog.
What are the Stages of Decomposition?
Decomposition process is very important in stabilizing the Environment. There are five stages that involves in the completion of this Process. Following are the Five Stages of Decomposition:
1. Fresh:
This is the most initial stage of Decomposition. In this stage first of the body enzymes themselves breakdown the cells of the body by their action after death. This processes is called as Autolysis. Then the next step of this stage occurs, in which the blood of the body starts accumulating the the tower body. This cause discoloration and it is called Livor Mortis process. At the end of this stage, a condition comes and the body becomes stiff as the muscle contracts, this is Rigor Mortis. This seems like the end of Fresh or initial Stage of Decomposition.
2. Bloat:
The Bloat stage is also known as Putrefaction. This stage is characterized by Gas formation, Unpleasant Odor and Skin Discoloration. In the start of this stage the bacteria in the intestine of the body starts producing Methane, Carbon Dioxide and Hydrogen Sulfide into the body. This cause the body to bloat. The next step occurs when the body produce unpleasant and strong odor. After the unpleasant odor, the body shows extreme Discoloration. This is the end of Bloating Stage of Decomposition. This is the phase in which bacteria spread in all over the body.
3. Active Decay:
This is the third and an important step of Decomposition. In this stage the steps that involves are, Tissue Liquefaction, Insect Activity and Loss of Mass. The first thing that occurs, is the liquefaction of the tissues. The tissues are converted into liquid. Then the role of biological organisms starts. The flies and insects lay eggs on the body and the larvae are feed of Decomposers. Then the next step occurs in which the decomposers feed on larvae and now it is ready to be consumed by the Microorganisms and insects. This whole process is Active Decay Stage of Decomposition.
4. Advanced Decay:
It is the second last stage of Decomposition process. The steps included in this process includes; Decreased insect activity, Drying out and Soil Interaction. When majority of soft tissues of the body are gone, the insect activity is decreased or restricted. Then the process of drying out starts. This means that the remaining tissues starts to dry out and mummify. The last step of this stage is a very significant step of decomposition. Soil Interaction in decomposition states that the nutrients are adding into the nearby soil in the form of decomposed material. In this step the Nutrients returns back to the Environment.
5. Dry and Remains:
This is the last stage of Decomposition process. In this stage the body is completely dry on the soil. First of all Bones are exposed to the soil. These bones may have some connective tissues and also some dry skin with them. Then after the drying out of bones, the breakdown of bones starts. This can be because of Environmental Factors, Soil Acidity etc. In this way the nutrients and minerals that are the components of bones, also adds into the Soil and return to the Environment from where living organisms consume them.
These are the five stages of Decomposition. This process requires Decomposers and Environmental Factors to perform the break down. All of these stages are equally important in decomposition process. This blog contains Types, Roles and Stages of Decomposition by Decomposers.
What are the Main Types of Decomposers?
Decomposers can be of different types of tiny organisms. There are 4 main Types of Decomposers. Following are the main types of Decomposers that exists on Earth and perform Decomposition:
i) Fungi:
Fungi are spore-forming heterotrophic organisms. These have the ability to breakdown complex substances into simpler forms so they are capable of performing decomposition process. These are principle decomposers on the Earth. But some of the species of Fungi are not specialized for breaking down materials. They release enzymes to decompose litter, so these enzyme breakdown dead organic matter facilitating the Decomposition process.
Example of Decomposers from Fungi:
Tricoderma reesei and Penicillium echinulatum are two Decomposers from Fungi specie.
ii) Bacteria:
Soil Environment is rich with huge amounts of Bacteria. They play significant roles in performing Decomposition process on Earth. Bacteria mostly involves in the initial stages of Decomposing matter. These tiny microscopic organisms, breakdown different organic compounds by releasing different types of enzymes. They are present in very large numbers in the soil and also they are significant contributors in Decomposition.
Examples of Bacterial Decomposers:
Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, are two Bacterial Decomposers on Earth.
iii) Insects:
Insects are the secondary decomposers. They eat the dead organic matter from their mouth and then digest the litter in their intestine. The most important fact about these tiny organisms is that, they are capable of eating and digesting a wide variety of organic matter. If they can eat it, they can decompose it very well. The insects that do not digest the organic matter, they release enzymes that decompose the litter in nearby soil Environment.
Examples of Insect Decomposers:
Flies, Dung Beetles, and Ants are insect Decomposers present on Earth.
iv) Earthworms:
Earthworm is an example of Animal decomposers. These are tiny animals that feed on dead organic matter and fecal wastes. They also eat the organic matter and other forms of consumable wastes through their mouth and then digest them into their intestine. Their excretion is consumable material for the soil that helps in increasing soil fertility. The decomposition of Earthworms also play significant roles in the decomposition of wastes and formation of Compost.
Example of Earthworm Decomposers:
All Annelid Earthworms are the Decomposers for the organic matter.
Fungi vs Bacteria Decomposers:
- Fungi have the ability to break down complex materials into simpler form that can be digested by nature. While Bacteria are a significant part of the major decomposition process on Earth.
- Fungi digest the lignin that is a major part of plant cell wall. Bacteria break down matter present on the surface of organic materials and can also produce biofilms on the surface.
- In the first step, Fungi break down complex organic matter. In the second step, Bacteria decomposes the organic matter right after fungi has done its job.
- Fungi are the dominant decomposers in the environment in which they live. While bacteria can survive in extreme environments on different energy sources.
- Examples of Fungi are, Mushrooms, Molds, Yeast etc. Examples of Bacteria are, Soil Bacteria, Freshwater Bacteria etc.
These were the 4 main types of Decomposers. They play significant roles in stabilizing the Nutrient Cycle and also help in the Decomposition process. This blog is all about Types, Roles and Stages of Decomposition process by Decomposers.
What are the Significant Roles of Decomposers?
Decomposers perform a number of important Ecosystem Services in maintaining the Environment and stabilizing the Ecosystem by returning Nutrients back to nature. Following are some important Roles that Decomposers play in Ecosystem Maintenance:
1: Decomposers in Carbon Cycle:
Carbon is one of building blocks of living cells and living structures. So, most of the organic matter contain Carbon content. When decomposers breakdown the dead organic matter or wastes into Environmentally sound materials, they return the consumed Carbon back to the Environment. In this way decomposers play important roles in the completion of Carbon Cycle.
2: Decomposers in Promoting Biodiversity:
Decomposition of Organic Matter and waste materials adds fertility, nutrients, minerals and also healthy salts into the soil. These can collectively make the soil fertile and may lead to the growth of Plant species that can help many tiny or large animals to survive on the Soil. This promotes Biodiversity at a great extent. We can see that, the more greener a location will be, so as the richer it will be from Biodiversity.
3: Decomposers in Energy Flow:
Proper energy flow is the key need for the proper working of an Ecosystem. Energy transfers from one process to another. In the same way through decomposition energy exerts on different components of the Environment and there the flow of energy transfers from one component to another. These organisms helps in the stabilizing of Energy and managing the Energy flow into the Environment.
4: Decomposers in Nutrient Cycling:
Nutrient cycle involves all the steps that works from the utilization of nutrients from the Environment to returning the Nutrients back to the nature. It includes different processes, organisms and also different components of the Environment. The living organisms takes up nutrients from the surroundings throughout their lives and Decomposers makes it possible to return the nutrients back to the Environment. In this way they play roles in Nutrient Cycling.
5: Decomposers in Soil Formation:
Soil formation is completed when specific amounts of humus, nutrients, water holding capacity, fertility and some more requirements are present in the soil. Decomposition process adds many of the essential components of the Soil Chemistry and Soil Environment into the soil to result in effective Soil composition. Many of the nutrients adds into the soil only through decomposing, that are very crucial in maintaining Soil Environment and Soil Formation.
6: Decomposers in Waste Management:
Wastes of every kind are a threat to physical Environment and gives rise to Environmental issues on Earth. Decomposers are very important organisms because they help us to wipe out all the organic waste and also converts them info useful and consumable forms for either the Soil or other living organisms as food. The decomposition process converts the organic wastes into nutrients and minerals that is healthy and good for the Soil Environment.
7: Decomposers in Detoxification:
Detoxification is the process of converting toxic substances and materials into less toxic or harmless substances that are present on the Earth. Organisms that can decompose have the capability of converting pollutants or toxic substances into less harmful or harmless substances that eventually helps in cleansing of the Environment. It also deals with the accumulation of organic matter that can become toxic for the Environment with passing time, so the decomposers wipe them out.
8: Decomposers in Soil Aeration:
Soil Aeration means the process that improves the exchange of gases between soil and so the atmosphere. This process can also be enhanced by Decomposers. As we know that decomposers are extremely tiny or microscopic organisms. They mostly live under the Earth’s crust. These help in making channels, improving aeration and also in improving the soil structure. All these processes are useful for the Soil Health and Soil Environment and improves fertility.
9. Decomposers in Ecosystem Balance:
Without the decomposers, the environment on earth would be filled with tons of complex matter that would never get decomposed. These are tiny organisms, but they play a very important role in balancing the ecosystem and the environmental nutrients within the environment. They break down complex compounds into simple forms that can be at the end digested by the nature or higher organisms. It is a crucial part of every cycle and system that should be running in order to maintain the ecosystem balance.
10. Decomposers in Food Chain:
If the decomposers will not decompose complex matters, they cannot be utilized by other organisms and plants. For example, if a leaf will not be decomposed as a fertilizer, it could not help the surrounding greenery to nourish and will not provide nutrients to them. If the plants will not be nourished, they would die causing food insecurity and shortage for the higher animals. In this way, decomposers are backbone of the Food Chains on Earth. If they will not play their role, the food chain can never work out properly.
11. Decomposers in Aquatic Environment:
In Aquatic environments, fungi, bacteria and other certain vertebrates acts as decomposers. Bacteria are considered primary while fungi act as secondary decomposers. They are responsible for two major cycles in this environment. These cycles are Carbon Cycle and Nutrient Cycle. The examples of aquatic decomposers includes Fungi, marine worms, echinoderms, crustaceans and also mollusks etc. They have major roles in maintaining life in the aquatic environment.
These are some of the important roles that Decomposers play in maintaining Ecosystem stability and Soil Environment. All of these roles are very important for managing the Environmental Problems related to soil. They also help in cleansing the Environment and managing Nutrients in it. This blog contains information about Types and Roles of Decomposers and Stages of Decomposition process.
Human Impact on Decomposers:
Following are some of the major Human Impacts on the Decomposers:
Pollution:
Human activities are the reason behind rising pollution. This is causing the depletion of natural resources and have threatening impacts on the soil health and fertility. In these conditions, decomposers could not get proper nutrition and they also loose the efficiency of decomposition or may slow down their activity causing delay in the process.
Altered Decomposition processes:
The activities of man have a great influence of natural decomposition process in different environments. It can alter the way decomposition goes on. This can be extremely threatening for the environment and also disrupt the working of decomposers. It may be a reason behind excessive Greenhouse gases emissions.
Biodiversity Loss:
Many activities of humans, engage loss of biodiversity such as deforestation, unsustainable projects etc. In this way, the impacts of biodiversity loss are equal on the decomposers as they are on higher organisms. It may be in the form of food insecurity, water shortage and also land degradation etc.
Land-use Change:
Land-use change is the activity that is common in modern development. It is the major cause of land degradation, pollution, biodiversity loss and also specie endangerment. This activity actively reduces the population of decomposers in the relative area. This situation can also occur in the condition of habitat loss and fragmentation.
These are the major human impacts on Decomposers on Earth. This blog contains information about Types and Roles of Decomposers and Stages of Decomposition process.
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