Decomposition Flashcards
Why does food left in the fridge stay fresh longer
Coldness stops bacteria/enzymes growing as quick
What is a detritivore
An animal which feeds on dead organic matter
What are décomposers
Break down dead organisms and release the nutrients from the dead matter into the environment around them
How do decomposers decompose the food
Digest dead leaves / animals poo
Release enzymes onto the food
Enzymes digest it
Microorganisms use it as a food source
What do décomposer return back to the atmosphere
Carbon dioxide
What do decomposers return to the soil
Mineral ions
What conditions are required for decomposition to take place
Temperature
Amount of water
Amount of oxygen
Why is temperature a condition requires for decomposition
Decomposition takes places faster at warmer temperatures because decomposers use enzymes to break down the plant material and these enzymes work faster in warm conditions
Why do compost heaps tend to be warm
Because décomposées release energy when they carry out aerobic respiration
Why is it important that compost doesn’t get too hot
The enzymes in the decomposers can dénature and the decomposers can die
Why is the amount of water a condition required for decomposition to take place
Decomposing microorganisms work faster in moist compost because many chemical reactions in decay require water
Why does is the amount of oxygen a condition required for decomposition
Decomposers carry out aerobic respiration which requires a good supply of oxygen
Why do they put holes in the walls of compost
To allow oxygen to enter through
What do gardeners use to mix compost and why
Gardening fork to mix compost regularly allowing more oxygen to pass into the centre
What else can mixing the compost do other then letting oxygen in through centre
Break down large clumps increasing the surface are for decomposers to act on it
