5.3 Decay Process Flashcards
What are decay organisms?
Organisms that then break down the waste or the dead animal or plant
Give an example of a detritus feeder.
A worm
Name two decay organisms.
Bacteria and fungi
What is another name for decay organisms?
Decomposers
What are the optimum conditions for decay? And why?
Warm, wet, with oxygen because these conditions help the chemical conditions in the microorganisms work better
Where does the material from the waste go?
Returned to the soil
Name two ways humans can recycle waste
- Sewage treatment plan
* Compost heap
Processes that use materials must be…
Balanced by those which release them
Why do materials need to be recycled in nature?
So no energy is wasted
What is one use of compost?
Fertiliser for plants
How long does it take for de composers to turn organic waste into compost?
Months to years
What is organic waste?
Material biomass of carbon such as food and gardening waste
What are detritus feeders?
Organisms that start the decay process by eating dead animals or plants and producing waste materials which decomposes can break down
What does the decay process lead to?
A stable Eco system
Name 4 ways that decay conditions are important
- sewage treatment
- compost heap
- recycling
- removing dead organisms from the environment
