Decay Flashcards
why do living thing remove materials from the environment?
growth and other processes
How are materials returned to the environment?
Either in waste materials or when living things die or decay
Why do materials decay?
They are broken down (digested) by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi)
What does the decay process release?
Substances which plants need to grow
What does the decay process release?
Substances which plants need to grow
In a stable community the process which remove materials are balanced by what?
the process which return materials
the materials are constantly _______.
cycled
What 3 things are needed for decay?
- moisture
- warmth
- oxygen
why does decay need moisture, warmth and oxygen?
microorganisms need oxygen to respire and need moisture and warmth to be able to grow and reproduce
name three things that are good for your compost heap
Egg shells
Cardboard
grass trimmings (with no chemicals on them)
name three things that your should never put on a compost heap
plastic
dairy
oils
fats
Why is composting is good for environment?
Microbes, fungi, insects and worms slowly decompose the rubbish into a sustainable source of compost that can be used in the garden.
what are detritivores?
an organism (such as an earthworm or a fungus) that feeds on dead and decomposing organic matter.
how do detritivores help speed up the process of decay?
The fragmentation process increases the surface area available, for attack by bacteria and other microorganisms
