B 8.1 Decay processes Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is decay?
The breakdown of dead organisms and waste materials by microorganisms.
Which organisms are mainly responsible for decay?
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.
Why is decay important in ecosystems?
It recycles nutrients and carbon, returning them to the environment to support plant growth and the carbon cycle.
What three conditions increase the rate of decay?
Warm temperature, moist conditions, and the presence of oxygen (aerobic conditions).
Why does temperature affect the rate of decay?
Higher temperatures speed up enzyme activity in microorganisms, increasing the rate of decay.
What happens if the temperature is too high during decay?
Enzymes denature, and the rate of decay slows down or stops.
What role does moisture play in decay?
Moisture helps microorganisms grow and carry out chemical reactions more efficiently.
Why is oxygen important for decay?
Oxygen is needed for aerobic respiration in many decomposers, which releases energy for breaking down materials.
What is anaerobic decay?
Decay that occurs without oxygen, often producing methane gas as a by-product.
What types of waste materials are broken down during decay?
Dead plants, dead animals, and animal waste (e.g., faeces, urine).
