Every ecosystem needs some organisms that return nutrients to the environment by breaking down the remains of other organisms. What is this vital group of organisms? consumers producers parasites decomposers

## Step 1<br />The question is asking for the type of organisms that play a crucial role in breaking down the remains of other organisms and returning nutrients to the environment. This process is essential for the recycling of nutrients in an ecosystem.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's analyze each option:<br /><br />- Consumers: These are organisms that consume other organisms for their energy needs. They do not break down dead organisms or return nutrients to the environment.<br /><br />- Producers: These are typically plants that produce their own food through photosynthesis. They do not break down dead organisms or return nutrients to the environment.<br /><br />- Parasites: These are organisms that live on or in a host organism and get their food from or at the expense of their host. They do not break down dead organisms or return nutrients to the environment.<br /><br />- Decomposers: These are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, and in doing so, they carry out the natural process of decomposition. They return nutrients to the environment, which can be used by other organisms.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is 'decomposers'.