Discuss what you think would happen if decomposers and detritivores were removed from an ecosystem.

If decomposers and detritivores were removed from an ecosystem, several significant changes would occur:

1. Accumulation of Waste: Decomposers and detritivores play a crucial role in breaking down dead organic matter and waste products. Without them, these materials would start to accumulate in the ecosystem, leading to an increase in waste and dead organic matter.

2. Nutrient Cycle Disruption: Decomposers and detritivores are essential for the nutrient cycle. They help break down complex organic materials into simpler forms, which plants can then use as nutrients. Without these organisms, the nutrient cycle would be disrupted, potentially leading to nutrient deficiency in the soil and water bodies.

3. Impact on Food Chain: Decomposers and detritivores are part of the food chain. They provide food for other organisms. Their absence would affect the organisms that depend on them for food, potentially leading to a decrease in biodiversity.

4. Increase in Disease: Decomposers and detritivores help control the spread of diseases by breaking down dead organisms and waste that could harbor pathogens. Without them, there could be an increase in disease among plants and animals in the ecosystem.

5. Impact on Ecosystem Stability: The removal of decomposers and detritivores could destabilize the ecosystem. These organisms play a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Their absence could lead to unpredictable changes in the ecosystem's structure and function.

In conclusion, decomposers and detritivores play a vital role in maintaining the health and stability of an ecosystem. Their removal would have significant and potentially devastating effects.