In ecology, decomposers are heterotrophic organisms—primarily bacteria and fungi—that chemically break down dead organic matter, waste products, and detritus into simpler inorganic compounds. They ...

Decomposition is essential to all ecosystems, both on land and in the ocean. In marine environments, decomposition and nutrient recycling keep food webs functioning, prevent the buildup of organic ...

Peter Kennedy is an associate professor at the University of Minnesota focusing on biology teaching and learning, ecology, evolution, behavior and plant and microbial biology. Kennedy is visiting from ...

The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has studied the role of invertebrates in forest litter decomposition. The study, led by researchers Ph.D. candidate Xiaoyi Zeng and Professor Louise A. Ashton from ...

An isopod, well-adapted to the harsh conditions of arid-lands, crawls on the desert floor in search of plant litter. New study reveals that in arid ecosystems, larger arthropods such as termites and ...

Our world is changing, and warming temperatures will alter our natural ecosystems. Some of these changes will be straightforward, like animal ranges creeping northward as they strive to maintain their ...