Using example, explain the ecological importance of each of the group chemoherotrophic in an ecosstem.

The importance of bacteria in the ecosystem depends on their activities in the ecosystem;

(i) Saprophytic bacteria include nitrosomonas, nitrobacter and denitrifing bacteria

• derive organic materials from decomposition of dead and decaying organic matter.
• They chief decomposer in ecosystem hence help in reccling of nutrients
• Nitrifying bacterial fix nitrogen into the soil
• Denitrifying bacteria restore nitrogen into the atmosphere

(ii) Parasitic bacteria are important in causing disease to organisms in the ecosystem. They include cocci and bacilli. They diseases that may lead to death of non- resistant organisms in ecosystem. This leads to population regulation and reduction in competition for resources in the ecosystem. It may also lead to emergency of new species in the ecosystem.

(iii)Symbiotic bacteria live in association with other organisms, deriving benefit from the and causing no harm to them. For example,

• A rhizobium bacterium which lives in association with roots of leguminous plants fixes nitrogen from the atmosphere into nitrates in the soil. These can then be utilized by plants and other organisms in the ecosystem.
• Cellulose producing bacteria in the gut of wood eating ants derive shelter from the ants but produce cellulose enzyme that helps the ants to utilize cellulose in their diets. They thus help in recycling of nutrients locked in the cellulose of mood.
• Help in synthesis of vitamin K