noun
decomposer
Ecological term for organisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) that break down dead organic matter.
菌類は生態系で分解者として重要な役割を果たす。
Fungi play an important role as decomposers in the ecosystem.
Refers to consumers (animals) that eat other organisms, while decomposers break down dead matter.
Compound of 分解 (bunkai, 'decomposition') + 者 (sha, 'person/agent'), literally 'decomposer'. A modern ecological term.