Glossary
The English version of our glossary is currently under construction and will be regularly updated.
Decomposers
Microorganisms that break down other lifeforms’ organic excretions and the organic substances left behind when they die, converting them into simple inorganic compounds.
Microorganisms that break down other lifeforms’ organic excretions and the organic substances left behind when they die, converting them into simple inorganic compounds (mineralisation) so that they can in turn serve as food for plants. Under anaerobic conditions (without oxygen), the only decomposers are bacteria; under aerobic conditions (with oxygen), they are nearly exclusively fungi and bacteria.