Earthworms, small insects, and microorganisms live in the soil and break down dead plants and animals. What would happen to an ecosystem if this process was compromised?

A.

The population of green plants in the ecosystem would increase.

B.

There would be more energy available to consumers in the ecosystem.

C.

The soil quality of the ecosystem would dramatically improve.

D.

The carrying capacity of the ecosystem would be limited.

Answer: D

Explanation:

Since the Earthworms, small insects, and microorganisms live in the soil and break down dead plants and animals. They end up playing a vital role in the ecosystem, if this were to be compromised nothing good would come form it Disease, competition, predator-prey interaction, resource use and the number of populations in an ecosystem all affect carrying capacity. If Earthworms, small insects, and microorganisms couldn't break down the the dead material and return it to the soil, then surely the carrying capacity would be drastically effected.