Biomass Flashcards
What are decomposers
Groups of microorganisms that feed on waste droppings and dead organisms
What is decay
When compounds are broken and digested by microorganisms
What to detritus feeders do
They start the process of decay as they feed on waste material
After digestion what do bacteria and fungi do
They reproduce and grow releasing Co2 and water
What conditions are needed for decay
Oxygen
Temperature
Moisture
Why does decay work better in warm conditions
As the enzymes work faster in warm conditions and so decay is faster
Why does decay work better in moist conditions
The moisture allows the makes it easier for the microorganisms to dissolve their food
Why does decay work well in oxygen
They release oxygen during respiration and it allows they to grow and reproduce
Name some detritus feeders
Worms and maggots
What is biomass
The material mass in living organisms
Where do all living organisms get energy
From the sun
What do green plants and algae use sunlight for
To photosynthesis and some of the energy is stored as biomass
What happens to biomass as it’s passed on the food chains
It reduces
What factors affect lose of energy
Respiration Energy loss due to movement Keeping a constant temperature Lost as waste Lost in urine
How is energy lost as waste in animals
Biomass is lost as faeces as not all the food eaten by animals by digested
