B4.12 Decay And Recycling

Question 1

Plants absorb elements such as…

Answer 1

Nitrogen and carbon

Question 2

Define decay

Answer 2

Breakdown of organic matter, such as dead organisms or food, by microbes.

Question 3

The decay process releases the elements back into the environment for the plants to reuse. The cycle keeps turning. What is this known as?

Answer 3

Natural recyling process

Question 4

Name the two main groups of microbes involved in decay

Answer 4

Bacteria and fungi

Question 5

What is compost?

Answer 5

Waste such as grass cuttings, leaves and twigs piled up into a compost bin and left to decay. Results in a nutrient rich soil for plants.

Question 6

Why is sewage able to be discharged into natural waterways without damaging/polluting?

Answer 6

When sent to a sewage works, bacteria digest the organic waste in large tanks, making the sewage clean.

Question 7

How does temperature effect the rate of decay?

Answer 7

Warmer temp- rate of decay is faster because microbes are able to repsirw faster and will grow and reproduce

Question 8

How does the amount of oxygen effect the rate of decay?

Answer 8

More oxygen, faster the rate of decay, because the faster the microbes will be able to repsire- grow quicker and reproduce faster

Question 9

How does the amount of water effect the rate of decay?

Answer 9

In moist conditions decay is faster because microbes need water to remain healthy- grow faster and reproduce more.

Question 10

What is detritus?

Answer 10

Dead plants and animals and animal waste

Question 11

Name the two main types of decay organisms

Answer 11

Detritivores and decomposers

Question 12

Name a few detritivores and their function.

Answer 12

Earthworms
Maggots
Millipedes
Woodlice
Eat dead material which they digest- release as waste. Increases surface area for decomposers to act on

Question 13

What do decomposers (bacteria and fungi) do?

Answer 13

Chemically break down dead material, releasing ammonium compounds into the soil.