Decomposers eat dead organic matter. Termites, earthworms, and fungi are some of the decomposers that live in the Amazon Rainforest.
Before we start, here’s a quick video about the Amazon Rainforest floor.
Why are decomposers important?
Decomposers are important in the decomposition process. Decomposition is when dead organic matter (plants, animals) is broken down by living organisms into simpler inorganic molecules. This process returns essential nutrients back to the soil which can be used by plants to grow.
Without decomposers, forests would be filled with dead leaves, branches, and animals. The forest floor would be covered in a thick layer of rotting organic matter. This would prevent new seedlings from growing and eventually the forest would die.
Fungi are an important group of decomposers. They live on the surface of dead leaves and branches, or inside them if they are rotted enough. Fungi break down complex carbohydrates and lignin (a tough substance that makes plants strong) into simpler molecules. This process is called decay.
Some types of bacteria are also decomposers. They live in the soil and on the surface of dead leaves, branches, and animals. Bacteria break down proteins and carbohydrates into simpler molecules.
Invertebrates such as earthworms, pillbugs, and millipedes are also important decomposers. They eat dead leaves and branches and mix them with the soil as they burrow through it. This makes the organic matter easier for fungi and bacteria to decompose.
The Amazon Rainforest is home to a large number of decomposers. These organisms play an essential role in the forest ecosystem by recycling.
Let’s discover some of those Amazon Rainforest decomposers:
Termites
Termites are one of the most important groups of decomposers in the Amazon. They eat wood and help to recycle nutrients back into the soil.
There are over 2,000 species of termites in the world, and about 50 species live in the Amazon Rainforest.
Earthworms
Earthworms are another important group of decomposers. They help to aerate the soil and mix organic matter into it. This makes it easier for plants to grow. Earthworms also eat dead organic matter.
Fungi
Fungi are also important decomposers. They help to break down dead leaves and other organic matter. Some fungi live on trees and help them to get food from the air and water. Other fungi live in the soil and help to recycle nutrients.
There are over 1,500 species of fungi in the Amazon Rainforest.
The Velvet Worm
The velvet worm is a strange-looking creature that is related to insects. It has a soft body and no legs. It lives in the soil and eats dead leaves and other organic matter.
Leaf Beatle
The leaf beetle is a type of beetle that lives in the rainforest. It eats dead leaves and helps to decompose them.
There are over 2,000 species of leaf beetles in the Amazon Rainforest.
Sowbug
The sowbug is an insect that lives in the soil. It eats dead leaves and other organic matter.
The Partula Snail
The partula snail is a small snail that lives in the rainforest. It eats dead leaves and other organic matter.
Scorpions
Scorpions are predatory arthropods. They live in the soil and eat other small animals. They also act as decomposers in the Amazon Rainforest!
Pseudoscorpions
Pseudoscorpions are small arthropods that look like scorpions. But they’re not really scorpions… They live in the soil and eat dead leaves and other organic matter.
Mites
Mites are very small arthropods that live in the soil. They eat dead leaves and other organic matter.
Springtails
Springtails are small insects that live in the soil. They eat dead leaves and other organic matter.
What fungi can you find in the Amazon Rainforest?
There are over 1,500 species of fungi in the Amazon Rainforest. Some fungi live on trees and help them to get food from the air and water. Other fungi live in the soil and help to recycle nutrients.
Some of the most common fungi in the Amazon Rainforest include:
Auricularia auricula-judae
This fungus is also known as the Jew’s ear fungus. It is a type of edible mushroom that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest.
Coprinus comatus
This fungus is also known as the shaggy mane mushroom. It is a type of edible mushroom that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest.
Lentinula edodes
This fungus is also known as the shiitake mushroom. It is a type of edible mushroom that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest.
Pleurotus ostreatus
This fungus is also known as the oyster mushroom. It is a type of edible mushroom that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest.
These are just some of the decomposers that live in the Amazon Rainforest. They play an important role in recycling nutrients back into the soil. This helps to keep the rainforest healthy and vibrant.
