Decomposers - biotic components, Biology

Assignment Help:

Decomposers - Biotic Components

Also known as saprotrophs. Mostly, these are microscopic and are heterotrophic in nature. Decomposer organisms obtain their energy and nutrients by degrading dead organic matter. When plants and animals die, their bodies are still a source of energy and nutrients, as are their waste products such as urine and faces which they discard throughout their life times. These organic remains are decomposed by micro-organisms, namely fungi and bacteria which grow saprophytically on these remains. They secrete digestive enzymes from their bodies on the dead and wasted materials.

sub sequently absorbing the products of digestion. The rate of digestion is variable. The organic matter of animal wastes such as urine, faeces and corpses is consumed within a matter of weeks whereas fallen leaves and branches may take years to decomposes. During the decomposition of wood fungi act and produce an enzyme cellulase, that softens the wood. This enables the small animals to penetrate and ingest the material. Fragments of decomposing material are called detritus, and many small animals Iced on these, contributing to the process of breakdown. They are called detritivores. Because of the combined activities of the true decomposers (fungi .and bacteria) and detritivores (animals), in the breakdown (decomposition) of materials, they are sometimes collectively referred to as decomposers. Although, strictly the term decomposer relates to saprophytic organisms, Some typical terrestrial detritivores are: earthworm, woodlice, millipedes and other smaller (< 0.5 mm) animals such as mites, springtail and nematodes.


Related Discussions:- Decomposers - biotic components

Predominant feature of steatorrhoea, Q. Predominant feature of steatorrhoea...

Q. Predominant feature of steatorrhoea? A predominant feature is delayed and defective absorption of fat, which results in bulky stools containing large quantities of fat (know

What is the disease caused by vitamin d deficiency, What is the disease cau...

What is the disease caused by vitamin D deficiency? Which tissue does it affect? The lack of vitamin D causes the disease called as rickets (rachitis), characterized by decalci

Structure of human spermatozoon, Structure of human spermatozoon: Na...

Structure of human spermatozoon: Nature: Human sperms are minute, microscopic and motile. Structure: Each sperm have an oval shaped head piece, a neck, a middle piece and

Experiments do not support the hypothesis, If experiments do not support th...

If experiments do not support the hypothesis, the hypothesis is always rejected or wrong. True or False?

Botany, Sir/Madam, I am a Banquet Farm Owner and face the problem with the ...

Sir/Madam, I am a Banquet Farm Owner and face the problem with the Grass that in November & December the grass does not grow well or disappear beacuse of heavy foot fall. Is their

Functions of iron in the body, functions of iron in the body: Iron i...

functions of iron in the body: Iron is the major component in haemoglobin. It helps to carryout oxygen from lungs to the tissues. About 60 to 70% of Iron in the body i

What are the consequences of iodine deficiency disorders, What are the cons...

What are the consequences of iodine deficiency disorders? As discussed earlier under signs and symptoms, the consequences of IDD include: mental retardation, other defects in t

Two dimensional gene scanning method, Two dimension gene scanning technique...

Two dimension gene scanning technique is a high resolution system for finding of mutational variants in multiple genes. This method is on the basis of combination of extensive poly

Explain the structure and functions of kidney, Explain the Structure and Fu...

Explain the Structure and Functions of Kidney You would have got a clear idea as to where the kidneys are situated. Yes, the kidneys are located in the posterior part of the ab

Define the flavonoids, Define the Flavonoids? Flavonoids constitute the...

Define the Flavonoids? Flavonoids constitute the largest group of plan1 polyphenols, generally arc the compounds of low molecular weight, bound to sugar molecules. You may be f

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd