Organisms that feed on dead plants and animals are called decomposers, e.g., bacteria, fungi etc. They breakdown the complex organic compounds present in dead remains into simpler substance and obtain nutrition from them. These substances are released into the soil and the atmosphere. Thus, they play following roles (i) Help in recycling of materials, replenishment of the soil's nutrients etc. (ii) They also clean up our surroundings by decomposing organisms and organic wastes.
