4.7 & 8 Flashcards
How is carbon removed from the atmosphere?
Through photosynthesis.
How is carbon released back into the atmosphere?
Burning fossil fuels
Respiration of animals and plants
Decomposition of plants
What is carbon used for in plants?
Used to make glucose, glucose forms complex carbs.
Enables plants to grow and develop.
Why do atmospheric carbon dioxide levels vary throughout the day?
Photosynthesis only occurs in the day and respiration in the night.
What is a decomposer?
A microorganism that breaks down or decays organic material on a microscopic level.
E.g. bacteria, fungi
What is a saprophyte and what does it do?
Organism that gets energy from decaying organic matter. Type of decomposer.
They secrete digestive enzymes onto material, the substrates then degrade and the saprophytes feed on the products via the hyphae (branchings from mycelium which is the main body of fungi)
What is detritivore?
A small animal which speeds up decomposition by breaking down or shredding organic material, increasing the surface area, thus allowing decomposers to decompose quicker.
Give 3 examples of detritivores and what they break down.
Earthworm - leaves
Woodlouse - wood
Worm - animal material
Which 3 factors affect the rate of decomposition?
Warmth
Moisture
Oxygen
How does warmth affect rate of decomposition?
Enzyme controlled reactions, too high and the enzymes denature, too low and they’re dormant
50 degrees C is an ideal temperature.
How do oxygen levels affect rate of decomposition?
Aid with aerobic respiration.
Anaerobic conditions prevent most forms of decomposition.
How do moisture levels affect rate of decomposition?
If there isn’t enough water, reactions with the microorganisms will be slowed down or prevented. Stopping decomposition.
