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

State about led fredrick griffith, In the experiments that led Fredrick Gr...

In the experiments that led Fredrick Griffith to discover the "Transforming Principle", which of the following was the key step in illustrating that a substance within one cell cou

Invertebrates - osmotic and ionic regulation, Invertebrates - Osmotic and I...

Invertebrates - Osmotic and Ionic Regulation Regulation of water and ions in invertebrates is done by neuroendocrine mechanism. It operates at the level of Malpighian tubules

What is the plasma membrane of the cell, Q. What is the plasma membrane of ...

Q. What is the plasma membrane of the cell? What are its major functions? The plasma membrane is the external membrane of the cell, it delimits the cell itself and a cell inter

Dietary management during myocardial infarction, Dietary management during ...

Dietary management during Myocardial Infarction? Patients who suffer from an attack of myocardial infarction are hospitalized and are usually kept under strict medical supervis

Explain the infraorbital nerve and vessels, Infraorbital nerve and vessels ...

Infraorbital nerve and vessels The infraorbital nerve exits through the infraorbital foramen. This foramen and the neurovascular contents are within 5 to10mm of extremely resor

Lamellar models, LAMELLA R MODELS According to James Danielly & Hu...

LAMELLA R MODELS According to James Danielly & Hugh Davson (1935) cell membrane consists of 4 layers P-L-L-P. Molecules of phospholipid has amphipathic nature, i.e. it

Determine the term poliomyelitis - brian diseases, Determine the term Polio...

Determine the term Poliomyelitis - Brian diseases Poliomyelitis is an acute infectious disease caused by a virus that has a special affinity for the motor neurons of the spinal

Oxidation-reduction potential, How the Oxidation-reduction potential influe...

How the Oxidation-reduction potential influence the spoilage of meat? You learnt earlier that the presence or absence of oxygen and the 0-R potential of the food itself has a b

Define intracellular cytoplasmic calcium concentration, How intracellular c...

How intracellular cytoplasmic calcium concentration is maintained? Intracellular cytoplasmic calcium concentration is maintained by the following mechanisms: a) Limited entr

Define role in protein metabolism and growth, Define Role in protein metabo...

Define Role in protein metabolism and growth? Severe vitamin A deficiency results in abnormal RNA metabolism and protein synthesis and hence interferes with growth. Hence vitam

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