Decay Flashcards
Which living things cause decay?
Micro-organisms, bacteria, fungi, worms, maggots
What is decay?
The breakdown of organic material (biomass)
What are detritivores?
Worms. woodlice and other minibeast
What are microbes?
Bacteria and fungi
Why does a compost contain soil as well as dead plant material?
Soil contains the microbes needed to decay the plant material
Why does a compost heap has holes in the sides?
To let in oxygen for the aerobic respiration of micro-organisms
To let excess heat escape
What are the four things necessary for decay?
Warmth
Oxygen
Moisture
Micro-organisms
What factors affect the rate of decay?
Temperature- Too high will destroy enzymes and proteins, killing valuable micro-organisms. Too low will prevent growth and reproduction
Oxygen- Necessary for the respiration of detritivores and microbes
Moisture-Decay organisms need water to digest food, also needed to support reactions inside of organisms
