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

Chordata and its characteristics, Phylum Chordata- Chordata name given ...

Phylum Chordata- Chordata name given by Balfour. Herst put hemichordata into separate phylum. Lamarck gave the word tunicata & vertebrata. Pisces classified by Rom

Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, Q. What are some signs and symptoms f...

Q. What are some signs and symptoms found in patients with hypothyroidism? In hypothyroidism the production and secretion of T3 and T4 are impaired. Since these thyroid hormone

Deficiency diseases-iodine deficiency, Iodine  deficiency Iodine is an...

Iodine  deficiency Iodine is an important component of thyroid hormones, which play active role in several physiological process such as control of basal metabolic rate, oxidat

What is autophagic intracellular digestion, What is autophagic intracellula...

What is autophagic intracellular digestion? Why is this type of intracellular digestion intensified in an organism undergoing starvation? Autophagic intracellular digestion is

What are the hormones secreted by the neurohypophysis, Q. What are the horm...

Q. What are the hormones secreted by the neurohypophysis? What are their respective functions? The neurohypophysis secretes the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. Oxytoci

Write the derivation of michaelis-menten model equation, 1. Briefly explain...

1. Briefly explain the dynamics in enzyme reaction mechanism with potential energy surface diagram. 2. How to find the rate constant of any enzymetic reaction? 3. Derivation

Define the bacillus cereus, Define the Bacillus cereus Bacillus cereus ...

Define the Bacillus cereus Bacillus cereus is not a common cause of food poisoning. It is a Gram positive, aerobic, spore forming rod shaped bacteria normally present in soil,

Technique of assessment of growth and development, TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT ...

TECHNIQUE OF ASSESSMENT OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT Measurement of physical growth in children is a key element in evaluation of the health status of children. Physical grow

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