B4.1.8 - Decomposers

Question 1

What are detritivores?

Answer 1

Small animals which break down organic matter into small pieces

Question 2

What material does earthworms break down?

Answer 2

Leaves

Question 3

What material does wood lice break down?

Answer 3

Wood

Question 4

What material does maggots break down?

Answer 4

Animal material

Question 5

How do decomposers release nutrients?

Answer 5

Bacteria and fungi release enzymes which break down substances in the organic matter. They can then absorb the soluble nutrient into their bodies and use them for growth and as an energy store. Many of the bacteria and fungi may be eaten by other organisms, resulting in the nutrients being passed on. Some of the nutrients are released directly into the soil or the environment

Question 6

How does temperature affect the rate of decomposition?

Answer 6

At high temperatures, the enzymes used by micro-organism are denatured such prevents decomposition and can result in the death of the micro-organism
At low temperatures, the rate of decomposition is slow as the rate of enzyme-controlled reaction are reduced. The micro-organism replication is also slow

Question 7

How do moist environments affect the rate of decomposition?

Answer 7

If there is not enough water then reactions within the micro-organisms will slow down or be prevented. This reduces or stops the process of decomposition

Question 8

How do aerobic conditions affect the rate of decomposition?

Answer 8

Oxygen is needed for micro-organisms to respire. Anaerobic conditions will prevent most forms of decomposition as micro-organisms cannot survive in this environment

Question 9

What is the equation for rate of decay?

Answer 9

Rate of decay = change in mass/time