Decomposers, primarily bacteria and fungi, are consumers that use waste materials and dead organisms for food. Food webs identify the relationships among producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem. For ecosystems, the major source of energy is sunlight, which passes from organism to organism in food webs. The number of organisms an ecosystem can support depends on the resources available and abiotic factors, such as quantity of light and water, range of temperatures, and soil composition. Soil consists of weathered rocks and decomposed organic material from dead plants, animals, and bacteria.
Water is a solvent.
As it passes through the water cycle, it dissolves minerals and gases and carries them to the oceans. Living organisms have played many roles in the earth system. Technological designs have constraints. Technological solutions have intended benefits and unintended consequences. Safe living involves the development and use of safety precautions and the recognition of risk in personal decisions.