15.3 Decomposers Flashcards
Nutrients are not lost but are constantly _________.
Recycled
What are the most important nutrients recycled?
Carbon & NItrogen
How are Carbon and Nitrogen recycled?
Through the Carbon & NItrogen Cycle
In all ecosystems, dead organisms and waste material are broke down by what?
Decomposers
What are decomposers?
Organisms that break down dead organisms and waste material
What is decomposition
The process that occurs when dead organisms and waste material are broken down
Why is decomposition important
Decomposition releases essential nutrient back into the environment to be reused by other organisms
Under what conditions will decomposition occur the fastest?
A warm, moist, oxygen rich environment
What is detritus?
Dead matter that has been broken down by saprotrophs
What is a detrivore?
An organism that feeds on detritus
What is an example of a detrivore?
Possible answers:
- Maggots
- Earthworms
- Woodlice
What is a saprotroph?
An organism that breaks down dead matter in order to release and absorb its nutrients
What is an example of a saprotroph?
Bacteria & Fungi
How do saprotrophs absorb the nutrients found on dead matter?
They produce enzymes which break down the dead matter in order to release the nutrients
Why are Fungi sometimes called ‘messy eaters’?
They release enzymes outside, so when the nutrients are broken down and released, other organisms can absorb them too.
