Which term describes an organism that gets its energy from dead or waste organic matter?

• A. Decomposer
• B. Producer
• C. Consumer
• D. Hormone

Answer: (A)

The concept here is how energy is obtained and matter recycled in ecosystems. A decomposer gets energy by breaking down dead or waste organic matter. They release enzymes that digest the complex materials in this matter into simpler substances, which they absorb for energy and growth. This process also recycles nutrients back into the environment, making them available for producers again. That’s why decomposers fit best: they rely on dead material as their energy source and at the same time help recycle nutrients. In contrast, producers make their own energy (usually from light), consumers obtain energy by eating other organisms, and hormones are signaling chemicals rather than energy sources for organisms.