Plant death and decay are integral parts of our ecological cycle. Many complex and unexpected factors can lead to the death of a plant, such as disease, insects, animals (including humans), natural disasters, and natural conditions (such as drought). As the water flow through the plant slows, the leaves will shrivel and lose the capacity to capture adequate sunlight. Meanwhile, the gas exchanges through the stomata will slow down, decreasing the plant’s capability to undergo photosynthesis. This results in dehydration, which begins the process of land-plant decomposition. The plant loses its turgor pressure through water loss and becomes weak and brittle. Water loss also causes some of the vital organic compounds to escape the plant cells. Then come the decomposers, which include detritivores and microorganisms. Detritivores include animals such as earthworms and crows, which feast on dead organisms, breaking down the structure and excreting its waste as smaller, simpler units for smaller organisms to consume. Microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi release enzymes that break down large, complex compounds into simpler units. Through the efforts of decomposers, every part of the plant becomes recycled into the forest floor to create topsoil, a nutritious structural support for young seeds to germinate.