4.7.2.3 decomposition

• what causes decomposition?

  detritivores and decomposers
• what is a detritivore?

  animals that feed on waste and dead organisms to start the process of decay
• what are decomposers?

  microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria that further break down waste and dead organisms
• what are the products of decay and how are they released?

  water, carbon dioxide, methane and mineral ions - released as waste products of respiration
• what do we use the process of decay to make?

  compost
• what is compost made of?

  nutrients released by the decomposers
• what kind of decay produces methane gas?

  anaerobic decay
• what things affect the rate of decay?

  temperature, moisture and oxygen levels
• how does temperature affect the rate of decay?

  higher temperatures lead to faster decay until the temperatures are too high and enzymes denature
• how does moisture affect the rate of decay?

  most microorganisms grow faster in moist conditions where they won't dry out
• how do oxygen levels affect the rate of decay?

  most decomposers respire aerobically and need oxygen to break down organic matter