B1.6 Waste materials from plants and animals Flashcards
What do living things remove material form the environment for?
Growth and other processes
What elements do plants take from the soil and air and what for?
Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen and Nitrogen. They turn the elements into complex compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats
How are the elements taken in by plants and animals returned?
In waste products or when the organisms die. The materials decay because they are broken down by microorganisms and are returned to the soil
Why do materials decay?
They are broken down by microorganisms
In what conditions do microorganisms work best?
In warm, moist and aerobic conditions
What is an example of a perfect condition for microorganisms?
A compost bin
What does the decay process release?
Substances plants need to grow
In a stable community the materials taken out of the soil and used are balanced by…
Those put back in. The materials are constantly recycled
Carbon Dioxide is removed from the environment by…
Green plants and algae for photosynthesis
The carbon absorbed by the green plants and algae is used to make…
carbohydrates, fats and proteins
When green plants and algae respire, some of this carbon becomes…
Carbon dioxide and is released into the atmosphere
When green plants and algae are eaten by animals and these animals are eaten by other animals…
Some of the carbon becomes part of the fats and proteins that makes up their bodies
When animals respire some of this carbon…
Becomes carbon dioxide and is released into the atmosphere
When green plants, algae and animals die, some animals and microorganisms…
Feed on their bodies
Carbon is released into the atmosphere as…
Carbon dioxide when the microorganisms respire
