Science Common Sense

878 - What role do microorganisms play in ecosystems?

Microorganisms, like tiny tiny bugs, play a big role in ecosystems. They're too small to see, but they do lots of important things like:

1. Breaking down dead things: They turn dead plants and animals into nutrients that other living things can use.
2. Making food: Some microorganisms help plants make food from sunlight, like in photosynthesis.
3. Keeping the air clean: Some microorganisms help clean the air by using bad stuff like carbon dioxide and making oxygen instead.
4. Helping us digest: Some microorganisms live in our tummies and help us digest the food we eat.
5. Keeping the soil healthy: Microorganisms help keep the soil healthy by making nutrients that plants can use.

So, microorganisms are like the superheroes of the ecosystem, doing lots of important jobs to keep everything balanced and healthy!