Many plants that grow in tropical rain forests have specialized roots that anchor them to the branches and trunks of trees. They do not harm the trees. These plants get food and water from various sources, including the air and dead organic matter found on the trees.One example of these plants found in tropical rain forests is the bromeliad. Its leaves form a cup-like structure that is able to hold water. This water provides a feeding and breeding area for many insects and frogs. Snakes and lizards also come to these plants in search of food and water. A cross-section showing the inside of a bromeliad is shown below. Which of these types of organisms break down dead organic matter in the rain forest?
