Decay Process Flashcards
1
Q
Why do living things remove materials from the environment?
A
For growth and other processes
2
Q
What are the 2 ways in which materials removed from the environment by living things get returned?
A
As waste materials, or when living things die and decay
3
Q
What causes decay? How?
A
Microorganisms, they break down (digest) materials
4
Q
What 3 conditions make decay faster?
A
Warm, moist, aerobic conditions
5
Q
Why do warm, moist aerobic conditions increase the rate of decay?
A
It makes the microorganisms more active and they digest materials faster
6
Q
What does the decay process release?
A
Substances that plants need to grow
7
Q
In a stable community, the processes that remove materials are balanced by…
A
Processes that return materials
