Explore the Outdoors!

Category: Microbes

My specialty is microbiology and I share some of my knowledge in these articles!

  • What do fungi eat? (Are they decomposers?)

    What do fungi eat? (Are they decomposers?)

    There are many different types of fungi that eat different things, but common to them all is that they are important decomposers, playing a vital role in the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems. Fungi have a very broad diet consisting mostly of dead plant and animal matter, simple sugars from fruits, and even radioactivity! They…

  • Why are decomposers important for ecosystems?

    Why are decomposers important for ecosystems?

    Decomposers break down feces and dead plant and animal matter into simple nutrients that can be used by primary producers like plants and algae. Decomposers are an essential part of the ecosystem since they ensure the cycling of various nutrients, including carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. By allowing these nutrients to return to the…

  • Why Are Bacteria and Fungi Decomposers? (How, What and Why!)

    Why Are Bacteria and Fungi Decomposers? (How, What and Why!)

    Bacteria and fungi are called decomposers because they break down dead organic material into simple chemical nutrients, like carbon and nitrogen compounds, that can be used by plants and algae. Being the most abundant decomposers on earth, bacteria and fungi play an extremely important role in the recycling of nutrients in ecosystems. They are present…

  • Are chemosynthetic bacteria autotrophic or heterotrophic? (Answered and Explained!)

    Are chemosynthetic bacteria autotrophic or heterotrophic? (Answered and Explained!)

    Most bacteria get their nutrients by breaking down organic matter from things that were alive at some point, which classifies them as heterotrophs. This includes the bacteria in the soil and those that make us sick. This is effectively classifying most bacteria consumers or decomposers. And these bacteria are immensely important for our ecosystems. Other…

  • Are Animals Autotrophs or Heterotrophs (Can They Be Both?)

    Are Animals Autotrophs or Heterotrophs (Can They Be Both?)

    Let’s dive a little bit into the energy metabolism of animals, and whether they can obtain energy from sunlight. Animals are generally heterotrophs as (most, but not all, – see below!) animal cells lack chloroplasts to perform photosynthesis. Animals get their energy from eating organic compounds in the form of other organisms like plants, other…

  • Do Plants Have Mitochondria? (Know The Facts!)

    Do Plants Have Mitochondria? (Know The Facts!)

    All cells need a constant flow of energy to maintain their metabolism and to grow. While prokaryotic cells such as bacteria do not need separate organelles to satisfy their energy demands, all eukaryotic cells do (with very few exceptions – read on!). Eukaryotes like plants, animals, and protists need mitochondria for their survival. They all…

  • Are Euglena Harmful To Humans? (Explained With Examples!)

    Are Euglena Harmful To Humans? (Explained With Examples!)

    Euglena is a group of microorganisms that are not quite animals nor plants, but protists. The difficult classification stems from their ability to obtain energy from the sun as well as organic matter. Euglena can be harmful to both humans and animals, depending on the species. Euglena species are involved in forming toxic algae blooms…