Aquatic Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome all around the world. Image also contains a photo of a fish with parrot like colors.

The Temperate Rainforest receives significant rainfall (79-137 inches); however, the temperature varies (32-68 °F) throughout the year (condensation increases the moisture). In the U.S. an example is the coastal redwoods on the northwest coast. The biome can also be found in northern Europe.

Aquatic Biome(Coral Reef)

This biome contains images of animals such as Gray Reef Shark, Coral, Octopus, Parrot Fish, Crab, Zooplankton, Algae, and Phytoplankton.

Introduce a Scenario into the Aquatic Biome

Scenario 1 Coastline Development

As coastlines become developed levels of erosion increase on land. The extra sediment flows into the ocean, which creates turbid (cloudy) water. The symbiotic relationship of the coral and algae is disrupted because the alga disperses because it cannot photosynthesize. This is called coral bleaching.
With coral declines the parrot fish, which eats the coral to consume the algae, leave the areas to search for food. Other reef fish also leave because of lack of cover from predators. This also results in less fish protein for people.
Shark species noticing the dominance of jelly fish (a type of zooplankton) also leave to find another food supply source.

Coastline Development Summary

People are attracted to coastal environments for tourism and fishing. However, our desire to be near coral reefs is also a case of loving the place to death. Building on the land and increased exposure of coral touched by people can threaten coral populations.

Scenario 2 Pollution

Increased acidity from acid rain makes the growth of coral decline.
With air pollution creating global warming the oceans in some areas are approaching the tipping point (where it is too hot for the coral and fish to survive).
With climate change the sea level rises. Even small increases in the water level can cause coral reef erosion.

Pollution Summary

Coral reefs face pollution from a variety of levels. Local pollution from point source pollution (factories, water treatment plants) enters the ocean. Nonpoint source pollution includes agricultural fields, runoff, or trash. Global climate change from air pollution will result in increased acidity, increased ocean levels, and warmer waters, which place coral at risk.

Scenario 3 Overfishing

Over fishing is causing algae-eater fish populations to plunge.
Without primary consumer fish, the level of algae increases as does the jelly fish (zooplankton) populations.
Increased algae levels smother coral causing the coral population to decline.

Overfishing Summary

Fish is a main source of food for many people worldwide. The demand for fish has increased pressure to obtain more fish as a food supply. Methods to increase fish supplies degrade the land. Trawling is the most destructive fishing mode because it scrapes the bottom of reefs. Another fishing method using chemicals can harm nontarget species (other aquatic species).

Boreal Forest Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome near the northern hemisphere. Image also contains a photo of a wolf.

Boreal forests are found in the lower latitude or elevations of the tundra. The dominate vegetation are conifer trees with some deciduous trees. Because of this the vegetation and cold temperatures decomposition rates are slow and the soil is acidic from the needles once decomposed.

Boreal Forest Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as Wolf, Marten, Lynx, Hare, Moose, Grasses, and Conifers.

Introduce a Scenario into the Boreal Forest Biome

Scenario 1 Oil

Oil drilling causes habitat fragmentation for moose populations, which results in a decrease in the moose populations, which affects people hunting for animals.
Land disturbances due to cutting down trees alter the water drainage system. The trees that previously helped control flooding by water uptake from the roots have been removed. Declining moose populations result in decreased wolf populations.

Oil Summary

The debated Tar Sands in Canada are in the boreal forest. Ecological concerns for oil drilling include the fragmentations of habitat. Fragmentation is when the habitat is not continuous resulting in isolated populations. These populations increase the risk of harmful recessive genetic traits because of inbreeding. This happens when the population is too small or low in genetic diversity.

Scenario 2 Global Warming

Increased temperatures positively affect the bark beetle populations, which can decimate tree populations.
As tree populations decrease moose are more exposed to predators which, when combined with heat stress from high temperatures, can significantly reduce their numbers.
Increased temperatures increase tick numbers which cause malnutrition in moose and can decrease the reproductive potential of the population.
As temperatures affect changing seasons, hares seem to be unable to change their coat color in time to be camouflaged from predators.

Global Warming Summary

Although the boreal forest is not as cold as the tundra this land is a source of carbon storage (trees take in carbon from the air which helps to mitigate climate change from increased carbon levels). As the temperatures increase, conifers will move north into the tundra biome while trees from the temperate forests expand into the boreal forest biome.

Scenario 3 Logging

Demand for timber is increasing. Due to this demand the number of trees within the boreal forest is declining.
The decline in trees results in less forage for moose populations.
Lynx prefer mid- to late-successional forests. their populations decline when land is clear cut. This can result in higher hare populations.

Logging Summary

Typically, boreal forests have been undeveloped by land. As the demand for wood increases and temperatures rise, logging within the boreal forest becomes more appealing.

Desert Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome scattered through-out the middle of the globe. Image also contains a photo of a mountain lion.

Found in North America, Asia, and Africa, deserts are characterized by an annual rainfall of less than 20 inches and extreme temperature changes between night and day. The largest North American desert is the Chihuahuan desert and the Sonoran desert has the highest biodiversity of any desert.

Desert Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as a Mountain Lion, Coyote, Hawk, Rabbit, Lizard, Grasshopper, Buffel Grass, and Cacti.

Introduce a Scenario into the Desert Biome

Scenario 1 Wild Fire

Buffel grass is a species of grass that was imported from Africa by farmers in Mexico for the purpose of increasing forage for their livestock in the Sonoran desert.
Buffel grass thrived and spread throughout the Sonoran desert, and with it, an increase in fuel for wildfires, and displacing native species of grasses.
Wild fires are occurring, in areas of the desert, of greater intensity and in areas of the desert where they normally did not occur, before the invasion of Buffel grass.
Increased fires are posing an increased threat to the Saguaro cactus
The various animal species that use the Saguaro cactus for shelter or food are deprived of the cacti's benefits.

Wild Fire Summary

The expanding range of the Buffel grass provides increased tinder for wildfires. Wild fires temporally reduce the amount of Buffel grass, creating a chain reaction that leads to a decrease in herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, and eventually the apex predator.

Scenario 2 Drought

Climate change is causing decreased rainfall and increased temperatures in the deserts.
Winter rains are important for the growth of forage, on which herbivores, such as rabbits, depend.
Herbivores feed on grasses, such as Buffel grass, and wildflowers. Decreased rainfall, from climate change, results in less forage for herbivores.
Decreased precipitation increases risk of fires.

Drought Summary

With a decrease in the water supply, there is a decrease in the plant population. Due to drought, plants, such as Buffel grass and cacti, are reduced in number, resulting in a decrease in herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, and apex predators.

Scenario 3 Hunting Law

A new law has passed which allows people to hunt for coyotes in the desert.
After one hunting season the coyote population decreases significantly.
The rabbit population increases, the plant population decreases, the mountain lion population increases due to more rabbits.

Hunting Law Summary

Due to a new law, the coyote population drops, rabbit population increases, causing a decrease in plant population, and mountain lions increase due to greater availability of rabbits for prey.

Mediterranean Woodlands Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome near the central and southern hemisphere. Image also contains a photo of a hawk.

The Mediterranean Woodlands are found in the U.S., Europe, South America, South Africa and Australia. The summers are hot and dry while the winters are cool and wet. This biome is found in a climate where people like to live. In the United States we call this biome chaparral or shrubland.

Mediterranean Woodlands Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as Coopers Hawk, California Mouse, Western Scrub Jay, Horned Lizard, Harvester Ant, Scrub Oak, Laurel, and Fire Ant.

Introduce a Scenario into the Mediterranean Woodlands Biome

Scenario 1 Brazilian Fire Ant

The introduction of the exotic fire ant has resulted in decreases of native harvester ant populations (they outcompete and kill the harvester ants).
Harvester ants are a main food supply for the horned lizard. Horned lizards mistaking the fire ant for harvester ants can be killed by these ants.
Exotic fire ants have been known to consume young or injured mammals as well as degrade habitats for mammals such as mice. Currently the numbers of fire ants is low; however, if population numbers increase, there is the potential for a decrease in small mammal populations, which will negatively affect the food supply for the Cooper's hawk.

Brazilian Fire Ant Summary

Within the California chaparral ants are common. This includes the harvester ant and even a native species of fire ant. The exotic fire ant is invasive and is taking over the native species niches. These ants were accidentally introduced into the U.S. via imported soil (potentially from ship ballast water or plants) and have spread throughout the South, with California being a recent area of invasion. From a human perspective these ants are attracted to the warmth of electric boxes, causing power outages and electrical fires.

Scenario 2 Rural Development

During rural development of the chaparral region, Cooper's hawks were killed because of their tendency to kill chickens. Now, to increase the Cooper's hawk population in cities people are providing them mature tree habitat to encourage their consumption of small mammals and pigeons. However, if people use pesticides to control rodents the Cooper's hawk population will again decrease.
The California mouse is at risk from habitat fragmentation due to the development of agricultural and city lands.
Increased rural development contributes to clear cutting chaparral shrub land. Thus, the oak population is eliminated; however, the California bay laurel has the potential to become a weed with exotic species that are not natural to the area. When there is a disturbance, such as a development, exotic weed-like species take advantage of the lack of vegetation and take over. California bay laurel is one of the few species that can hold its own with these exotic species; however, its numbers are also higher then historic rates.

Rural Development Summary

Within the California chaparral, you will find an ecosystem dominated by shrubs. This ecosystem is at great risk from rural development because of the benefits to the watershed having only recently been understood. Bushes and other vegetation can clean water by taking up impurities and acting like a sponge to gather up rain to prevent flooding.

Scenario 3 Fires

After fires, shrub oak populations increase from re-sprouting at the base of an oak.
Ant populations go underground to try to avoid the fire. Those that are successful, help disperse seeds after a fire that the remaining rodents would otherwise consume.
Habitat loss from fire results in declining populations of horned lizards.

Fires Summary

Increased fire intensity has not let chaparral vegetation grow back. Yes, many plants are adapted to crown fires but only every 30 or more years. The increased human induced fires combined with weather conditions ideal to fires has resulted in more fires. This makes it hard for the chaparral to be restored after a fire.

Temperate Grasslands Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome near the northern and southern hemisphere. Image also contains a photo of a bison.

The temperate grasslands are found in an environment of extremes (cold winters and hot summers). Fires, drought, and grazing historically prevented the encroachment of trees in this biome, making grasses the dominant vegetation type. Most native plants in this biome are endangered.

Temperate Grasslands Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as Wolf, Bison, Coyote, Grasshopper, Prarie Dog, Bluestem Grass, Spider, and Bull Snake.

Introduce a Scenario into the Temperate Grasslands Biome

Scenario 1 Bring Back The Wolf

Coyotes and wolves have a very similar niche. Wolves mainly focus on hunting ungulates where coyotes usually only feed on newborns or previously killed hoofed animals. With the reintroduction of wolves, coyote populations have decreased; however, coyote pups have begun to have a better survival rate.
With the reintroduction of wolves into the Yellowstone National Park the population of elk has decreased (elk is the main food source for wolf) which has resulted in increased tree growth.
The increase of tree growth has positively affected bird and small mammal populations which then raises the potential food supply of bull snakes.

Bring Back The Wolf Summary

Wolf populations were severely hampered by predator eradication programs to protect farm animals. In the mid-1990s wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park. This reintroduction has shown that temperate grasslands thrive more when there is a top predator to affect population levels. Although wolf populations have increased, efforts to delist the wolf from protection have succeeded and there is fear of the wolf population decreasing again.

Scenario 2 Prairie Dog Loss

Prairie dogs are found in large colonies below ground. Prairie dogs help to reverse soil compaction from overgrazing as well as increase native vegetation growth by feeding on exotic plant species and striping bark from trees.
The growth of vegetation positively impacts grazers such as bison.
Small mammals use prairie dog tunnels for homes. The increase in small mammal populations directly impacts the growth of snake populations which consume these mammals. The snakes will also use prairie dog homes for shelter during hibernation.
Prairie dogs are also a source of food for many omnivores and carnivores in the prairie ecosystem. The animal most dependent on the prairie dog is the endangered black-footed ferret.

Prairie Dog Loss Summary

The prairie dog is a keystone species in the grasslands of the American West. Prairie dogs positively affect their environment by underground alterations such as increased aeration, increased water retention, and increased construction of homes for wildlife. Programs to eradicate prairie dogs are being developed due to fears that cattle would trip in their holes and substantially decrease the cattle population. Today another large risk for prairie dogs is the bubonic plague (spread through fleas) which is spreading and wiping out whole colonies (those infected die within 78 hours of infection).

Scenario 3 Bison Extirpated

In the winter bison move snowpacks to find food. This method to find a food source helps native birds (which also act as seed dispersers of native vegetation) and pronghorn antelope.
Grasses do well when there is a moderate level of grazing because the plant (in order to survive) starts to use more nitrogen to compensate for the grazing, resulting in healthier grass. Bison feces also supply increased nitrogen for the grasses.
The increase in grass species correlates to the increase in insects such as the grasshopper.

Bison Extirpated Summary

Bison is the largest land animal in North America. As pioneers expanded west the bison faced overexploitation for sport and habitat loss as agriculture was established. In the early 1900s only bison herds in the Yellowstone National Park remained untouched. Today there are free roaming bison herds found in national wildlife refuges, national parks, and on Native American Indian reservations. However, there is still concern from some cattle ranchers that bison will infect hoof stock with brucellosis. Brucellosis causes abortions, infertility, and lowered milk production in cattle and bison.

Temperate Rainforest Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome near the northern and southern hemisphere. Image also contains a photo of a Grasshopper.

Temperate Rainforest Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as Great Horned Owl, Gray Fox, Spotted Owl, Red Tree Vole, Redwood Sorrel, Douglas Fir, Grasshopper, and Douglas Squirrel.

Introduce a Scenario into the Temperate Rainforest Biome

Scenario 1 Logging

The Northern Spotted Owl is dependent upon the snag (dead) trees to perch and search for prey. Logging destroys these snag trees which is one cause of the decrease in Northern Spotted Owl population.
The gray fox is one of the most dominate species found in redwood/Douglas fir stands. Due to repeated logging efforts, there has been a significant reduction in the tree canopy. The canopy is the top level of the trees that provides shade to the lower levels. The loss of trees adds more sunlight creating fewer areas for animals to hide and less denning sites for the gray fox.
The red tree vole thrives in old growth forests (minimum of 10 acres). When these forests are thinned or clear cut, the population of red tree voles decreases because Douglas fir is their main food source and they become easier prey.

Logging Summary

The redwood forest is home to a variety of old growth redwood trees, some of the tallest in the world. Douglas fir (a main food source) also lives in this forest. Demand for hardwood has exerted pressure to log the remaining forest lands. Much of the remaining old growth is currently protected as national or state parks, but there are concerns that corridors will be lost or patches of forest lands will become too small causing increased harvesting on private lands.

Scenario 2 Drought

During a drought Douglas firs become stressed and older stands become more susceptible to natural disease. Younger, less established trees are more likely to have a high mortality rate.
With decreased trees the Northern Spotted Owl is easier prey for the Great Horned Owl and the newly encroaching Barred Owl (native to North America but not native to the Pacific Northwest coastal temperate rainforest).
For debated reasons the red tree vole likes old growth trees and is found in the canopy of trees as well as on the ground. Drought reduces the canopy for the red tree vole to inhabit.

Drought Summary

Recent trends in the Temperate Rainforest suggest the potential for future droughts in the area. The 2012 drought in western Washington and Oregon put young trees (less than 15 years old) at the most risk to survive.

Scenario 3 Wildfire

Areas where fire has been excluded can increase fire intensity enough to decimate the Douglas fir and Redwood population. In addition, smoke caused from these fires kills the red tree vole that is trying to avoid the fire.
The Northern Spotted Owl is dependent upon the snag (dead) trees to perch and search for prey. Fires destroy these snag trees which is one cause of the decrease in Northern Spotted Owl population.
After a wildfire event, the landscape becomes patches of younger and older trees. This mosaic encourages the increase of the exotic Barred Owl, which takes over the Northern Spotted Owl (the Barred Owl will also hunt the Northern Spotted Owl). Without the taller trees the red tree voles' population decreases as well as all the predators that consume it (Northern Spotted Owl, gray fox).

Wildfire Summary

The Douglas fir has adapted to small fires due to the fact it has corky bark and a root system that is protected by having a lower root ball. Redwoods also have protective bark, which resulted from adapting to low intensity fires. The role of fire in these stands historically is highly debated. Some experts feel that naturally high humidity combined with a low chance of lightning strikes meant fire was rare. However, core samples of trees show the presence of low intensity fires, suggesting Native American management of forest with proscribed fires.

Tropical Grasslands Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome near the southern hemisphere. Image also contains a photo of a Zebra.

The tropical grasslands have two wet seasons and are warm year-round. Dominant animal life in this savanna biome is grazers. Tropical grasslands can be found in Africa, Australia, South America, and India.

Tropical Grasslands Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as Lion, Zebra, Hyena, Aardvark, Elephant, Termites, Acacia Trees, and Grasses.

Introduce a Scenario into the Tropical Grasslands Biome

Scenario 1 Poaching

Elephant tusks have been sought after for their ivy.
Elephants are ecosystem engineers (taking out trees in the grassland ecosystem), with lower elephant populations the numbers of trees increase and grasses decrease.
In some areas there is legal trophy hunting of lions where the proceeds are used to help protect the lion; however, this also makes it easier for poachers to not be identified until the population is overharvested.

Poaching Summary

The African savanna for many years has had problems with poaching of wildlife. The reasons for this can include the need for bush meat (a main protein source for people), trophies, or cultural beliefs (medicine, ceremonies, aesthetics). Many areas have been designated as parks to protect these animals, but if the area is too large even people with machine guns cannot fully patrol the park for poachers.

Scenario 2 Ranching Development

Ranching development has affected the African lion populations making them smaller and more isolated which also results in an increased risk of inbreeding.
Lions are scavengers. This means when ranchers lay poison out to decrease the population of predators such as hyena lion populations can also be harmed.
The decrease of the lion population results in the increase of the zebra populations since predators such as hyenas are less effective hunters. An increased zebra population results in decreased vegetation, which can increase erosion.

Ranching Development Summary

As areas are developed in the African savanna ecosystem the conflict between people and wildlife is increased. The population dynamics of wild populations are impacted. Lions are an apex predator in the ecosystem so other lower level carnivores will fill the gap with high densities.

Scenario 3 Desertification

During migration routes to find water elephants are at risk of being separated from the herd during dust storms. In addition, the young may become undernourished because of low availability of food.
When elephants are separated from the herd, they are more likely to be prey for hungry lions. Fewer watering holes keep prey and predators in close proximity because they both need water.
Drought conditions contribute to decreased trees and grass population resulting in herbivore starvation.

Desertification Summary

Overuse of the land by overgrazing and overwatering combined with droughts has resulted in the grassland ecosystem becoming deserts.

Tropical Rain Forest Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome primarily in South America. Image also contains a picture of a leopard.

With an annual rain fall of 60-160 inches and a year round mean temperature of 70-85F, the tropical rainforest contains the highest biodiversity of any biome. Found mostly in Latin America and Pacific Islands, rainforests can also found in Brazil, Southeast Asia, and West Africa.

Tropical Rainforest Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as a Jaguar, Boa Constrictor, Spider Monkey, Toucan, Tree Frog, Flies, and Passion Fruit.

Introduce a Scenario into the Tropical Rainforest Biome

Scenario 1 Deforestation

Some of the forces that threaten the rain forest include logging or unattainable agriculture, mining, and ranching.
Rain forest plays a major role in carbon storage; hence, a buildup in carbon of the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.
Rain forests play a major role in releasing oxygen into the atmosphere, which would be compromised by loss of forest.
Species, like the spider monkey, lose their habitat. As many species are unique to the rainforest, they are threatened with extinction.

Deforestation Summary

With the destruction of the forest due to deforestation, there is a decrease in the population of the species that inhabit this biome.

Scenario 2 Global Warming

Global warming creates a rise in temperatures and an increase in cloud cover.
This shift in climate allows certain species to flourish, while certain species, such as the tree frog, are unable to adjust to the new climate.
The tree frog population declines.

Global Warming Summary

With an increase in global warming there is a decrease in the tree frog population. This results in an increase in the fly population, a decrease in the direct predator population, such as the toucan, as well as apex predators.

Scenario 3 Poaching

There is an increase in demand of jaguar furs.
Increased popularity of jaguar furs results in increased poaching.
The decrease in the jaguar population leads to an increase in prey species, including the spider monkey and boa.
The increase in spider monkeys means an increase in consumption of the passion fruit and toucan eggs.
The increase in boas leads to an increase predation on the toucan.
A decrease in the toucan populations leads to an increase in the tree frog population, so fewer flies are consumed.

Poaching Summary

With an increase in poaching, the jaguar population begins to suffer. This also results in an increase of the jaguar prey population (specifically, the toucan and spider monkey).

Tundra Biome Card

Image depicting location of biome near the northern hemisphere. Image also contains a photo of a white wolf.

The tundra receives the least rain of all biomes with an annual rainfall of 6-10 inches. The ground is permanently frozen, winters last 6-10 months, and the average annual temperature is -18F. There is a lack of trees and plant growth is limited to mosses and lichens.

Tundra Biome

This biome contains images of animals such as Arctic Wolf, Snowy Owl, Arctic Fox, Lemming, Purple Saxifrage, and Lichens.

Introduce a Scenario into the Tundra Biome

Scenario 1 Global Warming

Rising temperatures melt glaciers and permafrost
This cuases flooding of surrounding areas
The flooding destroys delicate plant species
Species like the lemming and hare, which depend on these plants for sustenance, dwindle in population.

Global Warming Summary

With an increase in the overall climate temperature, comes a decrease in the plant populatio., The result is a decrease in herbivores, omnivores, carnivores, and eventually the apex predator.

Scenario 2 Oil Drilling

Pollution from oil rigs aversive to animals and plants
Pesticides enter food chain
Pesticides enter soil and make their way into plants
Small mammals such as lemmings eat the plant material
Predatory animals such as the snowy owl or arctic fox eat the lemming.
These predatory species develop the greatest concentration of pollution

Oil Drilling Summary

All trophic levels take in pollution, and pollution becomes most concentrated in predators. As a result all species decline. Predators are the hardest hit species.

Scenario 3 Hunting Restriction

Hunting restrictions on the arctic wolf result in an increase in the arctic wolf population.
An increase in the arctic wolf populations results in a greater impact on the population of prey species, such as lemmings and arctic hare.
As the populations of caribou and arctic hare decrease, tundra flor, such as mosses and lichens expand their range due to a decrease in grazing by the caribou and arctic hare.
As caribou and arctic hare decrease, the amount of prey for the arctic wolf decreases, causing the wolf population to decline.

Hunting Restriction Summary

Due to the new law, the arctic wolf population experiences growth. Rabbits and lemmings, which are part of the wolves' prey, experience a decrease in population, which in turn allows an increase in plant population as well as a decrease in the owl and fox populations.

Trophic Pyramid

Trophic Pyramid Assignment

In the trophic pyramid assignment, you will be creating a trophic pyramid, also known as an "ecological pyramid," for a specific ecosystem, using the "Trophic Pyramid" template. Your trophic completed trophic pyramid will be used to identify the trophic levels within the food web, as well as their effects on the ecosystem.

Trophic Pyramid

Image depicts a pyramid with photos of animals within it. The pyramid is broken into 5 pieces or levels. Level 1 contains an image of a wolf, level 2 contains an image of a coyote, level 3 contains images of a spider and crow, level 4 contains images of a mouse and grasshopper, and level 5 displays an image of prairie grasses.

Trophic Pyramid Level 1

Apex predators are species that have few or no natural predators in their ecosystem.

Trophic Pyramid Level 2

Tertiary consumers (second level carnivores) are at the top of the food chain. Their diet mainly consists of meat.

Trophic Pyramid Level 3

The secondary consumers (first level carnivores) are animals that eat primary consumers. Omnivores (animals that eat both animals and plants) are found on this level.

Trophic Pyramid Level 4

Primary consumers (animals that eat primary producers; they are called herbivores (plant-eaters).

Trophic Pyramid Level 5

Primary producers - At the bottom of the trophic pyramid are the primary producers. Just as the human food pyramid has the produce section (fruit and vegetables) at the bottom, plants are the first food source in an ecosystem.

Trophic Pyramid Summary

Use the trophic pyramid as an example for your assignment; however, please do not copy this specific example.

Note: Eventually animals and plants die and decompose, becoming nutrients for future plants. Organisms that break down dead organic material are called decomposers. Examples of decomposers (based on time of death) can include insects, mushrooms, bacteria…