Decomposition

• Dead & decay matter = Detritus.
• Detritivores increase the surface area of detritus.

  Increase aeration by tunnelling through detritus.
• Saprobionts: fungi & bacteria hydrolyse complex biological molecules by extra-cellular digestion- secretion of enzymes onto food sources then absorbing some of the products.
• Saprobionts: Some nutrients that aren't absorbed can be absorbed by plants from soil and converted to other biological molecules or are respired, releasing CO2.