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

Green house effect and global warming, The Term "Green House" effect was fi...

The Term "Green House" effect was first introduced by j. Fourier in 1827. The green house effects are the rise in temperature of earth because certain gases in the atmosphere (CO2,

Asymptomatic patient-chronic mitral regurgitation, Asymptomatic patient: ...

Asymptomatic patient: The current opinion is that in asymptomatic patients with left ventricular dysfunction and severe MR surgery should not be delayed. The echo cardiographic a

Concept of universality of the genetic code, Q. What is the concept of univ...

Q. What is the concept of universality of the genetic code? What are the exceptions to this universality? The genetic code is universal because the rules of protein codificatio

Possible recombinant genotypes, A woman is heterozygous for three X-linked ...

A woman is heterozygous for three X-linked loci: AaBbDd. She has seven sons with the following genotypes: two are X ABd Y three are X abD Y one is X ABD Y one is X Abd

Bacteria anerobic respiration, how does the bacteria clostrium tetani respi...

how does the bacteria clostrium tetani respire anerobically

Deficiency diseases-post-parturient haemoglobinuria (pph), Post-parturient ...

Post-parturient haemoglobinuria (pph) in cattle and buffaloes The post-parturient haemoglobinuria (PPH) is an acute disease of high yielding buffaloes and cows. The disease oc

Embryology, Explain the gradient theoryof experimental embryology

Explain the gradient theoryof experimental embryology

Explain potential health benefits of dietary fibre, Explain Potential Healt...

Explain Potential Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre? A number of experimental studies in animal models, as well as, epidemiological studies have established protective role of d

Steroids, STEROID S - These are derived lipids. Cholesterol is m...

STEROID S - These are derived lipids. Cholesterol is must in formation of steroid hormones. In steroids cyclopentanoperhydrophenentherene nucleus ring present. S

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