If we completely remove the decomposers from an ecosystem,the ecosystem functioning will be adversely affected because

Apart from plants and animals, microbes form a permanent biotic component in an ecosystem. While plants are referred to as autotrophs and animals as heterotrophs, what are microbes referred to as? How do microbes fulfill their energy requirements?

Identify the processes $P, Q,$ and $R$ in the following descriptions:
$I -$ The process of breaking down detritus into smaller particles $- P$
$II -$ Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances $- Q$
$III -$ Water-soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts $- R$
Select the correct option for $P, Q,$ and $R$.

Define decomposition and describe the processes and products of decomposition.

The process of conversion of humified components into manure (mineralization) is carried out by which of the following processes?

Which process of decomposition is correctly described?