B17-Organising an Ecosystem

Question 1

What are decomposers?

Answer 1

Microorganisms that break down waste products and dead bodies

Question 2

Name the type of organism that decomposes dead material

Answer 2

Microorganisms

Question 3

As decomposers break down organic material, what is released into the air? How does it return to organisms?

Answer 3

Carbon dioxide–>taken into producers for photosynthesis

Question 4

As decomposers break down organic material, what is released into the soil? How does it return to organisms?

Answer 4

Mineral ions(eg nitrates)–>taken into producers through roots to build biomass(eg proteins)

Question 5

Name 2 ways in which organic material is returned to the soil for decomposers to break down

Answer 5

Death+excretion

Question 6

What are the 3 conditions for decay?

Answer 6

Oxygen levels(aerobic resp) moisture levels(hydration from the decomposers), temperature levels(chemical reactions work faster in microorganisms, enzymes need optimum temperature

Question 7

Decay with oxygen

Answer 7

Microbes respire aerobically transfer energy to surroundings killing weed seeds and speeds up process

Question 8

Decay without oxygen

Answer 8

Slower, doesn’t cause temp rise, produces methane(biogas) which can be used in cooking and fuel for vehicles

Question 9

Describe how the carbon in a dead insect’s body may be recycled(6)

Answer 9

Microorganisms are the decomposers and they decay, the microorganisms carry out respiration and CO2 is produced as a result, the bodies are consumed by detritivore feeders, photosynthesis occurs in the plants that absorb minerals from the soil after the decomposition of bodies using CO2. Sugar and glucose produced during photosynthesis and carbon is consumed by herbivores when they eat the plants. Fossiliation could be made from the dead insects and plants, combustion of the fuels.

Question 10

Why is the compost bin designed in the way it is?

Answer 10

Open at the bottom(start off decay), loosely fitting lid(allow oxygen for microbes for respiration) some have air holes(allow oxygen for respiration), black in colour(absorbs heat)