Decomposition Flashcards
What is decomposition?
The breakdown of dead matter which cycles elements such as carbon from one living organism to another.
What is the rate of decay?
The rate at which dead matter is broken down by decomposers.
How does temperature affect the rate of decay?
In the cold, decomposers are less active therefore the rate of decay will be low. As temp increases, the rate of decay will increase.
How does water affect the rate of decay?
With little or no water decomposers cannot survive. As the volume of available water increases, the rate of decay will increase.
How does Oxygen affect the rate of decay?
Decomposers need oxygen to survive therefore a lack of oxygen will mean little to no decay. As the volume of available oxygen increases, the rate of decay will increase.
