Q1. [1] § 13.1 ECO-SYSTEM — WHAT ARE ITS COMPONENTS? § 13.1.1 Food Chains and Webs § 13.2 HOW DO OUR ACTIVITIES AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT?
In an ecosystem, the decomposers perform an important role. Select the option indicating the role of decomposers.
- (A) Convert inorganic materials to simpler forms
- (B) Break down complex organic substances to simple inorganic substances.
- (C) Break down inorganic substances into organic substances.
- (D) Do not act on organic compounds.
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2026 31/5/1 Q7
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-15 06:41 · grounding rag
Model Answer
(B) Break down complex organic substances to simple inorganic substances.
Explanation
Decomposers (bacteria, fungi) act on dead organic matter and break it down into simple inorganic nutrients, which are returned to the soil. This is their key role in nutrient cycling. Option A is wrong (it says "inorganic to simpler forms"); C and D are clearly incorrect. Examiners expect the exact function: organic → inorganic.
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