An organism that helps to recycle nutrients within an ecosystem by eating dead or decaying organisms is a: Predator Decomposer Producer Autotroph

## Step 1<br />The question is asking us to identify the type of organism that helps to recycle nutrients within an ecosystem by eating dead or decaying organisms. The options provided are: Predator, Decomposer, Producer, and Autotroph.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Let's analyze each option:<br /><br />### **Predator**<br />Predators are organisms that hunt and eat other organisms. They do not typically consume dead or decaying organisms, so they do not recycle nutrients in this way.<br /><br />### **Decomposer**<br />Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, and in doing so, they carry out the natural process of decomposition. They play a crucial role in recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.<br /><br />### **Producer**<br />Producers are organisms that can make their own food through photosynthesis. They do not consume dead or decaying organisms, so they do not recycle nutrients in this way.<br /><br />### **Autotroph**<br />Autotrophs are organisms that can produce their own food from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy. They do not consume dead or decaying organisms, so they do not recycle nutrients in this way.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is "Decomposer". Decomposers are the organisms that help to recycle nutrients within an ecosystem by eating dead or decaying organisms.