Wastes would accumulate and most nutrients would stop cycling in the absence of ____.

A) plants and algae
B) bacteria and fungi
C) parasitic consumers
D) insects
E) vertebrates

Bacteria and fungi play a crucial role in the nutrient cycling process as they break down organic matter and return nutrients back into the soil for use by plants and other organisms. Without these decomposers, nutrients would remain tied up in organic matter, leading to nutrient depletion and accumulation of waste. Plants and algae also contribute to nutrient cycling, but they primarily rely on decomposers to release nutrients from dead organic matter. Parasitic consumers, insects, and vertebrates may play important roles in specific ecosystems, but they are not essential for nutrient cycling at a global level.