Which group primarily benefits from the activities of decomposers?

Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter from dead plants and animals, as well as waste products. This decomposition process releases vital nutrients back into the soil, which are then used by plants to grow. Without decomposers, essential elements such as nitrogen and phosphorus would remain locked in dead organic material, leading to nutrient depletion in the soil and hindering the growth of plants.

While it might seem that primary producers and consumers benefit from decomposer activities, it is the direct restoration of nutrients to plants and animals that is most critical. By ensuring that nutrients are recycled back into the ecosystem, decomposers support the growth of plants, which serve as the foundation of food webs. Consequently, both plants and animals benefit from the nutrient cycling facilitated by decomposers, making them the primary group that benefits from these vital activities.