Which organisms change organic materials into inorganic materials that can be reused in the ecosystem?

Decomposers play a critical role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter, such as fallen leaves, dead plants, and animal remains. This process involves the conversion of complex organic compounds into simpler inorganic substances, such as carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These inorganic materials are then recycled into the ecosystem, making them available for use by producers, such as plants.

While producers create energy through photosynthesis and are essential for capturing energy in an ecosystem, they don't specifically break down organic materials into inorganic forms. Pathogens primarily cause disease in living organisms and do not serve the function of recycling nutrients in an ecosystem. Root feeders consume nutrients from plants but do not facilitate the breakdown of organic matter. Thus, decomposers are uniquely responsible for this important process of nutrient recycling and maintaining the health of ecosystems.