Decomposers recycle nutrients from dead matter

Steps:

• Identify the question: It asks for organisms that exclusively get energy from dead organic matter.
• Recall ecosystem roles: Producers make energy from sunlight, consumers eat living organisms, decomposers break down dead matter.
• Match to choices: Decomposers fit the description of always using dead organic matter.
• Eliminate others: Consumers and producers use living sources; fungi are decomposers but not all decomposers are fungi.

Why B is correct:

• Decomposers are defined as organisms that obtain energy by breaking down dead organic matter through processes like bacterial or fungal decomposition.

Why the others are wrong:

• A. Consumers obtain energy from living organisms, not exclusively dead matter.
• C. Fungi are often decomposers but can also be parasites or symbionts on living matter.
• D. Producers obtain energy from sunlight or chemicals, creating organic matter.

Final answer: B