B17.2 Decay Cycle

Question 1

What is decay ?

Answer 1

Bacteria and fungi break down dead material returning it to the soil

Question 2

Why is decay important ?

Answer 2

Without it essential nutrients will be kicked in dead material which is inaccessible to other organisms

Question 3

How do they respire ?

Answer 3

Aerobically during this process and so release carbon dioxide and water

Question 4

What is the decay cycle ?

Answer 4

1. Decomposes release carbon dioxide into the air and absorbed by plants
2. Plant material eaten by living organisms
3. Living organism exceretes or dies
4. Bacteria and fungi break down the nutrients then return it to the soil