# Explain why a stable community contains both producers and decomposers.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Producers photosynthesise / convert carbon dioxide and water into organic matter / biomass
2. Producers provide biomass / energy / food for consumers in the community
3. Decomposers break down dead plant and animal material / organic matter
4. Decomposers return mineral ions to the soil / environment so that producers can use them (for growth)

## Key terms

- [producers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/producers)
- [decomposers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/decomposers)
- [community](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/community)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-a-stable-community-contains-ec3fd148) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.