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How do elephants contribute to nutrient cycling in their ecosystems?

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Elephants are recognized as "ecosystem engineers" because of their capacity to influence their surroundings. By consuming a significant amount of vegetation daily, elephants produce dung that is nutrient-rich. As they traverse the landscape, elephants distribute these nutrients across different areas, thereby playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and boosting soil fertility.

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Elephants contribute to nutrient cycling in their ecosystems through their feeding habits. As herbivores, elephants consume a large amount of vegetation, including trees, shrubs, and grasses. When they digest this plant material, they break it down into smaller pieces that are easier for decomposers like bacteria and fungi to further break down. This decomposition process releases nutrients back into the soil, which can then be taken up by plants to continue the nutrient cycle in the ecosystem. Additionally, elephants also disperse seeds through their feces, promoting the growth of new plants and further enriching the biodiversity of their habitat.
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