What term refers to the organisms that feed on dead or decaying matter?

The term that refers to organisms that feed on dead or decaying matter is "decomposers." Decomposers play a critical role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic material and recycling nutrients back into the environment. This process enriches the soil and supports plant growth, thereby sustaining the food web.

Decomposers include organisms such as fungi, bacteria, and some insects, which utilize dead plants and animals as their food source. By decomposing this matter, they help maintain the balance of ecosystems and facilitate nutrient cycling.

In contrast, producers are organisms, such as plants and algae, that create their own food through photosynthesis. Primary consumers are typically herbivores that feed on producers, while secondary consumers are carnivores that eat primary consumers. Since these options describe different roles within a food chain, they do not fit the definition of organisms that specifically consume dead or decaying matter. Thus, decomposers are essential for the health of ecosystems through their specific role in nutrient recycling.