Question

What are the consequences if decomposers are removed from the carbon cycle?

Fewer carbon compounds are broken down.

The burning of wood and fossil fuels increases.

Primary consumers are not able to consume as many producers.

CO2 levels in the atmosphere increase.

Answer 1

The biological activity causes carbon to be constantly converted among different forms and locations, these movements of Carbon are referred to as the carbon cycle. The global carbon cycle describes the exchanges of carbon between the atmosphere, terrestrial vegetation, soils and organic matter, oceans and fossil fuels. The carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere is consumed by plants (producers) in the process of photosynthesis to synthesize the food materials for themselves. The plants in turn are consumed by the animals (consumers) to meet their food requirements. The plants, which are organic matter and hence, contain carbon are broken down by animals during the process of respiration with the release of carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere.

All the animals are made up of organic matter and contain carbon inside them. Another way, the carbon is released into the atmosphere, is by the decomposition of the dead remains of animals and plants by the decomposers. The decomposers contribute to the carbon cycle by breaking down the organic matter followed by the release of carbon stored in the dead organic matter. If the decomposers are removed from the carbon cycle, only living animals will be able to break down the carbon compounds and there will be an imbalance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. After the death of animals, the dead remains of animals will pile up and large amounts of Carbon stored in the dead remains will not be released in the atmosphere.

Hence, fewer carbon compounds are broken down is the correct answer.