Decomposition in An Ecosystem
Decomposition in An Ecosystem: Overview
This topic covers concepts such as Decomposers, Decomposition, Fragmentation of Detritus during Decomposition, Factors Affecting Decomposition, Detritus, Detritivores, Leaching during Decomposition, Catabolism during Decomposition, etc.
Important Questions on Decomposition in An Ecosystem
In which of the following biomes, decomposition of detritus will be fastest?

Where do you think the process of decomposition would be the fastest?

Find the correct sequence of steps involved in the process of decomposition.
(a) Mineralisation
(b) Fragmentation of detritus
(c) Catabolism
(d) Leaching
(e) Humification

Decomposers like fungi and bacteria are
(i) autotrophs.
(ii) heterotrophs.
(iii) saprotrophs.
(iv) chemo-autotrophs.
Choose the correct answer.

From the given table of factors affecting microbial decomposition. .
Select the correct option.

If we completely eliminate the decomposers from an ecosystem, the ecosystem functioning will be adversely affected due to:

Which of the following factors favour faster decomposition of detritus?


The rate of decomposition becomes faster when:-

Which of the following is a favourable factor for increasing the rate of decomposition :-

Decomposers like bacteria and fungi are not:-

From the following options, identify the layer of soil which is the main site for decomposition processes in the ecosystem.

One of the important steps of decomposition is leaching. Which of the following nutrients go down into the soil horizon during leaching?

From the following options, select the feature not related to humus.

The process of nutrients being absorbed into living microbes is named as

The cycle by which water-soluble inorganic nutrients fall into the surface of the soil and become precipitated as unavailable salts is named

In which of the following biomes would detritus decomposition be more rapid?

The abiotic factor which promotes the cycle of detritus decomposition is
(a) Increase in temperature above .
(b) Moist environment.
(c) Poor aeration.
(d) Water logging condition.

Examine the following decomposition processes.
A. Humification: Process of formation of dark–coloured amorphous, slightly acidic substances, which are highly resistant to microbial action.
B. Fragmentation: Carried out by earthworm and termites.
C. Catabolism: Carried out by microorganisms under fully anaerobic conditions, by their extracellular enzymes.
D. Leaching: Water–soluble organic nutrients go down into the soil layers and get precipitated.
The correctly described processes are

Identify the right sequence of steps in the decomposition process.
(a) Mineralisation
(b) Fragmentation of detritus
(c) Catabolism
(d) Leaching
(e) Humification
