Recycling in the Forest

"Leaf litter" in the forest

Decomposers are a vital link in any ecosystem, especially in a tropical forest, where soil nutrients are scarce.  When a plant or animal dies, it is important for their nutrients to be recycled quickly so they are available to other plants and animals.  This photo shows fallen dead leaves blanketing the forest floor.  The “leaf litter” would be so thick in no time in a lush tropical forest with many trees if they were not constantly being decomposed.

Termite nest

The big lump on the tree in this photo is a termite nest.  Termites are social insects that live together in large colonies.  They decompose dead trees (wood) with the help of mutualistic protozoans (microscopic single-celled organisms that live in their digestive systems).  Termites help decompose the wood so its nutrients can be recycled.

Fungi on fallen tree

The last photo shows a tree trunk that has died and fallen down.  Notice that the wood is well on its way to being decomposed completely and the white bracket fungi attached to the tree help the process along.

So, you know the saying: REDUCE, REUSE, AND RECYCLE!  This is especially true in the rainforest.

- Fran Zakutansky