Life cycle of ecosystems: death and decomposition

Ever noticed dead trees in the forest? Whether standing "snags" or fallen logs, they're ecological gold mines. Woodpeckers carve nesting holes in snags, later used by owls, bluebirds, and squirrels as homes. Once fallen, logs become bustling neighborhoods where beetles, ants, termites, and fungi break down the wood, creating food and shelter for salamanders, small mammals, and other insects. Even as it crumbles over decades, the tree remains alive with activity.

Animals help recycle bodies, too. Turkey vultures soar overhead, sniffing out dead animal bodies. Coyotes, opossums, and raccoons all pitch in, feeding on what’s left and speeding up decomposition. Then the microbes take over — bacteria, fungi, and other tiny lifeforms return nutrients to the soil, where they feed plants and begin the cycle again. Death and decay might seem gross, but they’re essential. Decomposition is nature’s recycling system, turning dead matter into the fuel for new life.

Humans often remove fallen trees and dead animals, disrupting this system. But decay isn’t something to avoid — it’s something to celebrate. When we let nature take its course, the whole ecosystem thrives. So, next time you see a rotting log or a vulture overhead, remember: Decay is beautiful. It’s how life goes on.