Question

Where do the nutrients go that decomposers recycle from dead plant and animal matter?

Answer 1

When plants and animals die, they become food for decomposers like bacteria, fungi and earthworms. Decomposers or saprotrophs recycle dead plants and animals into chemical nutrients like carbon and nitrogen that are released back into the soil, air and water.

Answer 2

Decomposes recycle dead plants and animals into chemical nutrients like the carbon and nitrogen that are released back into the soil, water and air.