decomposer

/ˌdikəmˈpoʊzər/

Other forms: decomposers

Organisms that break down dead plants and animals are decomposers. Mushrooms are a familiar type of decomposer, absorbing nutrients from rotting plant matter.

Decomposers, just as their name implies, do the important job of breaking down or decomposing other organisms. Fungi are powerful decomposers; some of them are even able to break down wood using special enzymes. Another kind of decomposer is the single-celled bacteria, which helps in processes like the breakdown of leaves and food waste into compost.

Definitions of decomposer

1. noun

   an organism that breaks down dead animal and plant matter, thereby returning nutrients to an ecosystem
   type of:

   consumer, heterotroph

   an organism that depends on complex organic substances for nutrition