What term describes organisms that break down dead things into nutrients?

The term that describes organisms responsible for breaking down dead organic matter into nutrients is "decomposers." Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by recycling nutrients, which helps maintain soil health and supports the growth of new plants. They break down complex organic materials from dead organisms and waste products, resulting in simpler compounds that can be absorbed by plants. This process is essential for nutrient cycling within ecosystems, ensuring that energy and matter flow continuously and sustainably.

In contrast, producers are organisms, like plants, that create their own food through photosynthesis, while consumers are those that eat producers or other consumers for energy. Photosynthesizers specifically refer to organisms that convert sunlight into energy, which is a characteristic of producers rather than decomposers.