Which of the following is NOT a decomposer?
Last updated May 13, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
Hyenas
While hyenas are often associated with cleaning up carcasses, they are technically scavengers, not decomposers. In an ecosystem, these two roles are distinct based on how they consume organic matter and what they leave behind.Why Hyenas are NOT Decomposers
Hyenas are detritivores/scavengers. They consume large chunks of dead animals (carrion). They have powerful jaws to crush bones, but they still digest food internally through a digestive system.
Decomposers, on the other hand, are typically microorganisms that break down organic matter externally by secreting enzymes. They turn complex organic compounds back into simple inorganic nutrients (like nitrogen and phosphorus) that return to the soil.
Analysis of the Options
A) Fungi: These are "classic" decomposers. They grow on dead wood or leaf litter, secreting enzymes to break down lignin and cellulose, absorbing the nutrients directly.
B) Insects: Many insects, such as dung beetles or the larvae of certain flies (maggots), act as primary decomposers by breaking down waste and dead tissue into smaller fragments.
D) Earthworms: These are often called "nature's plows." They consume soil and organic debris, breaking it down into nutrient-rich "castings" that significantly improve soil fertility.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
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