Decomposition: Ecology: Biology: GCSE (9:1)
Cards (14)
- DecompositionAnimals, plants and waste products are typically broken down by microorganisms, assuming the conditions for decay are available
- DecomposerAn organism responsible for the decay and breakdown of waste products and other dead organisms, so that important nutrients can be recycled
- DetritusDead particulate organic material such as leaf litter that is mixed with soil
- DetritivoreA type of decomposer that feeds on dead organic material such as plant detritus in the form of fallen leaves
- Rate of decayThe speed at which waste products or dead organic material is broken down by decomposers
- Factors affecting the rate of decayTemperature, water and oxygen availability
- TemperatureDecomposing microorganisms need warm temperatures so that enzymes have enough energy to break down waste or dead organic material
- WaterDecomposing microorganisms works best in moist environments as many chemical reactions involved in decay require water
- Oxygen availabilityOrganic material should be aerated so that decomposers can use oxygen for aerobic respiration, providing the microorganisms with energy
- Waste biological materialGardeners and farmers try to provide optimum conditions for rapid decay of waste biological material, which can be converted to compost
- CompostUsed as a natural fertiliser for growing garden plants or crops, providing nitrogen for growth and minerals for healthy plant development
- Anaerobic decayMicroorganisms deprived of oxygen can anaerobically decompose organic material in a less efficient manner than aerobic decomposition, producing methane gas as a byproduct
- MethaneCan be used as a renewable fuel source called biogas, produced when microorganisms responsible for decomposition are deliberately kept in anaerobic conditions
- Biogas generatorA generator that stores animal waste or plant material that is allowed to anaerobically decompose, in order for large quantities of biogas to be collected