B1.6 - Waste Materials from Plants and Animals

Question 1

What conditions cause decay to occur fastest?

Answer 1

Warm and moist conditions

Question 2

What is decay?

Answer 2

The digestion or rotting of complex organic substances to simpler ones by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria.

Question 3

Explain the carbon cycle.

Answer 3

Carbon dioxide is removed from the environment by green plants by
Photosynthesis. The carbon from carbon dioxide is used to make carbohydrates, proteins and fats to make up the body of plants. Plants release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by respiration. Plants are eaten by animals.
Animals release carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by respiration.
When plants and animals die some animals and detritus feeders feed on their bodies. These organisms release carbon to the air when they respire.
Carbon dioxide is released to the atmosphere from wood and fossil fuels by combustion.