What do saprophytes primarily decompose?

Saprophytes are organisms, primarily fungi and certain bacteria, that play a crucial role in the ecosystem by decomposing organic matter. This includes the breakdown of dead plants, animals, and other natural organic materials. Through their metabolic processes, saprophytes recycle nutrients back into the environment, which is essential for soil health and the growth of new organisms.

Their ability to decompose organic matter contributes significantly to nutrient cycling, ensuring that essential elements are returned to the soil and made available to living plants, which can then support the food web. This decomposition process is vital for the maintenance of ecological balance.

In contrast, living organisms are typically not decomposed by saprophytes until they die. Synthetic materials are man-made and usually resist biological breakdown, while mineral substances are inorganic and are not the primary targets of saprophytic activity. Hence, the focus of saprophytes on organic matter is what distinguishes their function and importance in ecosystems.