Bacteria and Fungi as Aspects of Decay
Prepared by: Reo Paolo M. Uri

Have you ever observed what happens to leaves that fall on the ground? After some time, the leaves wither, break down into smaller pieces, decay and finally become part of the soil. What do you think is responsible for this change?

Have you heard of the word decomposer? What do you think does a decomposer do?
Decomposer make up the third biotic component of the ecosystem. They are the bodies of dead animals and plants for their food. The materials contained in these dead bodies are broken down by the decomposers, thus they get the energy they need and release the minerals and other nutrients back into the environment for use again by other organisms. Bacteria are among the most abundant decomposers while fungi are known to be fast-acting decomposers.
Decomposers are found everywhere. In the pond, they are abundant at the bottom where the remains of the dead organisms (plants and animals) settle. On land, they abound on the surface of the soil where the dead bodies of plants and animals are found. The decomposers are an indispensable compound of the ecosystem because without them, the materials with in the bodies of the dead organisms would never be used again. They are popularly known as the "janitors of nature."
Each of the groups of the biotic component of the ecosystem producers (plants), consumers (animals), and decomposers (bacteria and fungi), has its own specific function or task to perform. The work performed by an organism is known as its ecological niche. While the place where the organisms lives in the ecosystem is known as its ecological habitat. You will come to know more about the ecological niche of these components