The micro-organisms that convert the dead plants and animals to humus are known as:

The micro-organisms that convert the dead plants and animals to humus are known as: Correct Answer Decomposers

The correct answer is Decomposers.

Key Points

  • The micro-organisms that convert the dead plants and animals to humus are known as decomposers.
  • Bacteria and Fungi are examples of decomposers.
  • As they break-down the complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances that go into the soil and are reused by the plants.
  • When an organism dies it is converted to detritus or dead biomass that serves as an energy source for decomposers.
  • The process by which decomposers break down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and nutrients and the process is called decomposition.

Additional Information

  • Bacteria belongs to the animal kingdom Monera.
    • Bacteria was discovered by Anton Van Leeuwenhoek.
    • The reproduction of bacteria is mainly by binary fission.
  • Fungi are multinucleated.
    • The body of the fungus is made of filaments called Mycelium.
    • Rhizopus is the fungi grown in bread.
  • Protozoa is a group of unicellular eukaryotic organisms.
    • Euglena, paramecium, Trypanosoma are examples of Protozoa.

Related Questions

Read the following passage carefully and choose the most appropriate answer to the question out of the four alternatives.
Riparian vegetation [the green band of vegetation along a watercourse] can help stabilize stream banks; filter sediment from surface runoff; and provide wildlife habitat, livestock forage,and scenic value. Well-developed vegetation also allows bank soils to absorb extra water during spring runoff, releasing it later during drier months, thus improving late-summer stream flows. In many parts of the arid West, trees and shrubs are found only in riparian areas. Woody plants are very important as winter cover for many wildlife species, including upland game birds such as pheasants and turkeys. Often this winter cover is the greatest single factor limiting game bird populations. Woody vegetation also provides hiding cover and browse for many other species of birds and mammals, both game and nongame. Dead trees ("snags") are an integral part of streamside habitats and should be left standing whenever possible. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, brown creepers, and other birds eat the insects that decompose the wood. These insects usually pose no threat to nearby living trees. Occasionally a disease organism or misuse of pesticides will weaken or kill a stand of trees. If several trees in a small area begin to die, contact your local extension agent immediately . How dependent are plants and animals on each other?