Question

the nitrogen cycle would not be possible without bacteria, including those that help to release nitrogen compounds back into the soil by feeding on dead organic matter. these bacteria are a type of decomposer. you can think of decomposers as natures recycling system. theyre organisms whose job it is to break down leaves, animal remains and waste, and other organic debris into their component parts. by doing so, they make vital substances like nitrogen, calcium, and carbon available for use by living things. most decomposers, like those involved in the nitrogen cycle, are microscopic organisms. bacteria, for example, are among the smallest life forms on earth, consisting of just a single cell. others, like fungi, are large enough to see with the naked eye, and structural differences aside, they work in pretty much the same way. bacteria and fungi both release enzymes that break down decaying matter. afterward, they absorb the nutrients they need to sustain themselves from whatever it is theyve just decomposed. any leftovers are free game for other organisms in the area to take up. thanks to decomposers, dead stuff doesnt have to just lie around forever. instead, their parts can be repurposed to help our ecosystems flourish. why does the author of this passage compare decomposers to a recycling system? choose one option a because most decomposers are microscopic organisms b because decomposers facilitate the reuse of dead matter’s component parts c because of the size and structural differences between different types of decomposers d because nitrogen is one of the most important elements on earth

Explanation:

To answer this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: The fact that most decomposers are microscopic is not related to why they are compared to a recycling system. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The passage says decomposers break down dead matter into components that are reused by living things, similar to how a recycling system reuses materials. This matches the comparison.
• Option C: Size and structural differences of decomposers don't explain the recycling system comparison. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The importance of nitrogen is not the reason for the recycling system comparison. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. Because decomposers facilitate the reuse of dead matter’s component parts