Which of the following is an essential ecosystem function performed by insects?

• A. Pollination
• B. Nutrient recycling
• C. Seed dispersal
• D. Predation on pests

Answer: (B)

Insects play a central role in nutrient cycling by acting as decomposers and detritivores. They break down complex organic matter such as leaf litter, dead wood, dung, and other detritus, fragmenting material and speeding up its decomposition. This accelerates the release of essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus back into the soil, making them available for plants and supporting ecosystem productivity. Because ecosystems depend on this continual recycling of nutrients to sustain plant growth and energy flow, nutrient recycling carried out by insects is a fundamental function across many habitats. While pollination, seed dispersal, and pest predation are important ecosystem services provided by insects, they are not universally essential in every ecosystem to the same extent as the process of decomposition and nutrient return.