How the rate of decay affects key factors

• Decomposition, or decay, is the breakdown of dead matter
• The rate of decay depends on:

  • Number of decomposing microorganisms
  • Temperature
  • Water and oxygen availability
• Decomposition is crucial to the cycling of elements, such as carbon from one living organism to another
• The rate of decay is the speed at which dead matter is broken down by decomposers
• The rate can be estimated by measuring changes in pH, change in mass, or change in temperature
• Rates of decay are affected by key factors:

  • Temperature:
  • At colder temperatures, decomposing organisms are less active
  • As temperature increases, decomposers become more active
  • Extremely high temperatures can kill decomposers and stop decomposition
  • Water:
  • Little or no water leads to less decomposition
  • More water increases the rate of decomposition
  • Oxygen:
  • Decomposers need oxygen to survive
  • Without oxygen, there is little or no decomposition
  • Some decomposers can survive without oxygen
• Peat bogs are poorly drained areas made up of partially decomposed organic matter due to waterlogging
• In peat bogs, there is low oxygen, low temperature, and acidic water which can naturally mummify dead remains
• The Egyptians mummified their dead kings and queens by removing all water from the mummy to stop decomposers from breaking down the dead tissue