A saprophyte is a plant that does not have chlorophyll and gets its food from dead matter, similar to bacteria and fungi (note that fungi are often called saprophytes, which is incorrect, because fungi are not plants).

: obtaining food by absorbing dissolved organic material especially : obtaining nourishment from the products of organic breakdown and decay saprophytic fungi.

Saprotroph, also called saprophyte or saprobe, organism that feeds on nonliving organic matter known as detritus at a microscopic level. The etymology of the word saprotroph comes from the Greek saprós (“rotten, putrid”) and trophē (“nourishment”).

Decomposers are the saprophytes, i.e., organisms that acquire their nourishment from feeding on the dead or decaying matter that is organic in nature (‘sapro’ means “rotten material” while ‘phyte’ means “plant”). Fungi and bacteria are the common saprophytes that survive on saprophytic nutrition.

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms; they carry out decomposition, a process possible by only certain kingdoms, such as fungi.

Both shelled snails and slugs can generally be categorized as decomposers, though they play only a small role compared to other decomposition organisms.

Is a carrot a decomposer producer or consumer? A carrot is a vegetable that most humans like to eat. We are the consumer of carrots, and as we grow carrots, we are the producer. As to decomposer, any carrots we throw on the compost heap is there to be decomposed.

Algae are sometimes considered plants and sometimes considered “protists” (a grab-bag category of generally distantly related organisms that are grouped on the basis of not being animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, or archaeans).

Edible seaweed can be eaten raw, or used in cooked recipes. Adding either fresh or dried seaweed to your cuisine can add flavor, body, and extra nutrition. Seaweed can be used in soups either as a major component, or as a thickener – dried seaweed is particularly valuable as a thickener.

Dulse, (Palmaria palmata), edible red alga (Rhodophyta) found along the rocky northern coasts of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Dulse can be eaten fresh or dried. In traditional dishes, it is boiled with milk and rye flour or made into a relish and is commonly served with fish and butter.

Harmful algal blooms can: Produce extremely dangerous toxins that can sicken or kill people and animals. Create dead zones in the water.