What will happen if decomposers are completely remove from the ecosystem ?

Options

A. There will be no energy flow.
B. There Will be an increase in the number of detritivores
C. Herbivores will not receive solar energy
D. The movement of minerals in an ecosystem will be blocked .

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Role of Decomposers**: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in breaking down dead organic matter (detritus) into simpler inorganic substances. This process is known as decomposition.

2. **Impact on Energy Flow**: If decomposers are completely removed from the ecosystem, the energy flow will be disrupted. Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the soil, which are essential for plant growth. Without them, the energy captured by producers (plants) cannot be effectively transferred through the food chain.

3. **Increase in Dead Organic Matter**: The absence of decomposers would lead to an accumulation of dead plant and animal matter. This would result in an increase in the number of dead organisms, as they would not be broken down and recycled back into the ecosystem.

4. **Disruption of Nutrient Cycling**: Decomposers are responsible for releasing essential nutrients (like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) back into the soil. Without them, the movement of minerals in the ecosystem would be blocked, leading to nutrient depletion in the soil over time.

5. **Effects on Producers and Consumers**: Producers (plants) rely on the nutrients released by decomposers to grow. If decomposers are removed, producers will struggle to obtain the necessary nutrients, which will in turn affect herbivores (primary consumers) that depend on these plants for energy.

6. **Conclusion**: The complete removal of decomposers from an ecosystem would lead to a breakdown in energy flow, an increase in dead organic matter, blocked nutrient cycling, and ultimately, a collapse of the ecosystem's structure.