An organism that breaks down and obtains energy from dead organic matter is called a decomposer.
Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead plants and animals, returning essential nutrients to the soil. This process not only cleans up the environment but also supports the growth of new organisms by enriching the soil. Common examples of decomposers include fungi, bacteria, and certain insects. Without decomposers, ecosystems would be overwhelmed with dead matter, and nutrient recycling would be severely disrupted.