Decay

• Name two decomposers

  Bacteria and Fungi
• How do decomposers cause decay?

  They release enzymes to break down compounds in the organisms so it can be absorbed by the cells.
• What is required for decomposition?

  Adequate Temperature

  Oxygen

  ------------------------ (Sensitive to)

  pH

  Heavy Metals
• What happens to energy when conditions prevent decay?

  They are fossilized in compounds like fossil fuels
• Name two types of nutrients released in decay required by plants

  Nitrates and Phosphates
• What will happen with decay in a stable community of living things?

  Processes that return nutrients to the soil (decay) are balanced out by processes that remove and use these nutrients.