Composting Biology

• What is the main focus of the study material?

  Compost Biology
• What are the main groups of organisms involved in compost biology?

  • Microorganisms
  • Invertebrates
  • Earthworms
• What are tertiary consumers in compost biology?

  Organisms that eat secondary consumers
• Name three examples of tertiary consumers.

  Centipedes, predatory mites, rove beetles
• What are secondary consumers in compost biology?

  Organisms that eat primary consumers
• Name three examples of secondary consumers.

  Springtails, feather-winged beetles, some mites
• What are primary consumers in compost biology?

  Organisms that feed on organic residues
• Name three examples of primary consumers.

  Actinomycetes, bacteria, fungi
• What are organic residues?

  Leaves, grass clippings, food scraps
• Why are microorganisms important in composting?

  They digest organic matter into usable forms
• What role do bacteria play in composting?

  Responsible for most decomposition and heat
• How do actinomycetes contribute to composting?

  They degrade complex organic molecules
• What do actinomycetes look like in compost?

  Long, threadlike branched filaments
• What is the role of fungi in composting?

  Decompose complex plant polymers
• What can fungi attack in compost?

  Organic residues that are too dry or acidic
• What are protozoa?

  One-celled microscopic organisms
• What do protozoa feed on?

  Bacteria and fungi
• Can composting occur without invertebrates?

  Yes, it can occur without them
• How do invertebrates aid the composting process?

  By shredding organic matter and digesting it
• What are mites?

  Small organisms found in compost
• How many species of mites are there worldwide?

  Over 30,000 species
• What do pseudoscorpions resemble?

  Tiny scorpions without tails
• What do spiders feed on in compost piles?

  Insects and small invertebrates
• What are millipedes characterized by?

  Long, cylindrical, segmented bodies
• How do millipedes protect themselves?

  By using stink glands for defense
• How do centipedes differ from millipedes?

  Centipedes have a single pair of legs per segment
• What do slugs and snails feed on?

  Living plant material and decaying vegetation
• How do some snails and slugs digest cellulose?

  By secreting cellulose-digesting enzymes
• What do nematodes resemble under a magnifying lens?

  Fine human hair
• How many nematodes can be found in decaying compost?

  Several million nematodes
• What are springtails?

  Small, wingless insects in compost
• What do springtails primarily feed on?

  Fungi, some eat nematodes or detritus
• What attracts flies to compost piles?

  Fresh or rotting food
• What do ants eat in compost piles?

  Fungi, food scraps, other insects
• What are the most common beetles in compost?

  Rove beetle, ground beetle, feather-winged beetle
• What distinguishes earwigs?

  Jaw-like pincers on the tail end
• What do some species of earwigs eat?

  Detritus or other small invertebrates
• What are potworms also known as?

  White worms or potworms
• How long are potworms?

  10-25 mm long
• Where are potworms commonly found?

  In worm bins and damp compost piles