What would happen if decay didn't happen?

Answer 1

1. Dead bodies, plants, etc. would build up in piles.
2. Plants would run out of the organic nutrients that they need and can't make with photosynthesis and then die.
3. When enough plants died the animals that ate them would starve. They would then die.
4. When enough prey animals died the predator animals that ate them would starve. They would then die.
5. Everything living would then die.

But this is impossible as the decomposers (e.g. bacteria, fungi) that cause decay of dead things are only eating their "food" too. The more dead things lying around the more "food" they have and they would flourish.

Answer 2

If decay did not occur, organic matter would not break down, leading to a buildup of dead organisms and waste. This could result in a lack of nutrients being returned to the environment, disrupting ecosystems and potentially causing a decline in biodiversity. Additionally, the release of carbon dioxide and other gases from decay processes plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's atmosphere.