Question

Describe one common role of both bacteria and fungi in the movement of energy and matter in ecosystems

Answer 1

Both fungi and bacteria are very important for decomposition of organic matter.  Decomposition is the break down of dead or decaying organisms. This allows nutrients from all trophic levels to re-enter the soil to be used by primary producers. Fungi are more effective decomposers compared to bacteria as they can use their hyphae to penetrate larger pieces of organic matter, whereas bacteria are restricted to exposed surfaces.