Which type of organisms are primarily responsible for decomposing dead materials in an ecosystem?

Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic material, such as dead plants and animals. This process of decomposition is essential as it recycles nutrients back into the soil, making them available for new plant growth. Decomposers include bacteria, fungi, and certain insects that feed on these dead materials, effectively returning valuable elements like carbon, nitrogen, and other nutrients to the ecosystem. Without decomposers, ecosystems would accumulate dead matter, leading to nutrient depletion and disruption of the energy flow within the community. Their activity sustains the balance of ecosystems, allowing other organisms to thrive.