decayers
Things that decompose
Those who or that which decay or cause decay.
The term appears in discussions of decomposition, where decayers are organisms—fungi, bacteria, insects—that break down dead matter: Decayers return nutrients to the soil.
Less commonly, it describes people or forces that cause deterioration: decayers of public trust.
Spore-reproducing decomposers
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- moldForm-giving container
- earthwormsSoil-dwelling segmented invertebrates
- detritivoresCreatures consuming dead material
microorganisms · mycelium · scavengers · invertebrates · maggots · vultures · millipedes · woodlice
Bacterial breakdown of tissue
- rottingOrganic matter decomposing
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
- spoilageFood degradation process
- disintegrationProcess of breaking apart
fermentation · necrosis · breakdown · moldering · putrescence · oxidation · autolysis · corruption
fungi
Spore-reproducing decomposers
- bacteriaNucleus-free single-celled organisms
- moldForm-giving container
- earthwormsSoil-dwelling segmented invertebrates
detritivores · microorganisms · mycelium · scavengers · invertebrates · maggots · vultures · millipedes · woodlice · nematodes
putrefaction
Bacterial breakdown of tissue
- rottingOrganic matter decomposing
- biodegradationMicrobial breakdown of organics
- spoilageFood degradation process
disintegration · fermentation · necrosis · breakdown · moldering · putrescence · oxidation · autolysis · corruption · festering
compost
Decayed organic fertilizer
carrion · carcass · mulch · vermicompost · biomass · deadfall · recyclers
decayerspreservers
Things that maintain condition
protectors · preservatives · maintainers · embalmers · curators
decayersbuilders
Those who construct things
creators · constructors · regenerators · synthesizers · restorers
decayersproducers
Those who create goods
synthesizers · autotrophs · photosynthesizers · plants · growers