What is the role of decomposers in the food web?

Decomposers play a crucial role in the food web by breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. This process involves the decomposition of dead plants, animals, and other organic materials, which is essential for ecosystem health. As decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down complex organic compounds, they convert them into simpler substances that can be taken up by plants. This recycling of nutrients helps maintain soil fertility and supports new growth, thereby sustaining the food web.

The options that mention preventing the build-up of dead organisms and returning nutrients to the soil through decomposition are aspects of the broader functions of decomposers, but they do not encompass the full significance of their role or the overarching process of nutrient cycling that occurs. Similarly, while decomposers can indirectly influence the populations of other organisms by creating a balanced ecosystem, their primary function is centered on decomposition and nutrient recycling. Thus, the response focusing on breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients captures the essence of the role that decomposers play in the food web.