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

Photometer-radiation instrument, Photometer Photometer (Figure shown be...

Photometer Photometer (Figure shown below) measures the intensity of light. The metallic plate A is a photocell which emits electrons from its surface when light of sufficient

What is parkinsons disease, Q. What is Parkinson's disease? The Parkins...

Q. What is Parkinson's disease? The Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system in which the major manifestations are progressive motor disturbances, li

What are taenias and diseases caused by them, Q. What are taenias? What are...

Q. What are taenias? What are the diseases caused by them? The Taenias, as well know as tapeworms, are platyhelminth animals (flatworms). The major diseases caused by taenias a

Bohr effect, Bohr Effect Another important influence is the pH. Increa...

Bohr Effect Another important influence is the pH. Increase in carbon dioxide or other acids lowers the pH of plasma and shifts the dissociation curve to the right. At high ca

What are spontaneous mutations, 1. DNA damaga can be spontaneous or can be ...

1. DNA damaga can be spontaneous or can be 'Induced by external agents a. What are 'spontaneous' mutations? Give examples of causes of spontaneous mutations and the kinds od DNA

Spore forming protozoan, Normal 0 false false false EN-...

Normal 0 false false false EN-IN X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4

What is iris coloboma, What is Iris Coloboma Coloboma is a congenital a...

What is Iris Coloboma Coloboma is a congenital abnormality due to non-fusion of the embryonic choroidal fissure. It can affect any part of the eye and may involve the optic ner

Plantae, significance of amoebozoa

significance of amoebozoa

Procedures for diagnosis - isolation of etiological agent, Isolation and id...

Isolation and identification of the etiological agent: Isolation of the etiological agent is attempted in chicken embryos, cell cultures, laboratory animals, culture medi

What is cryopreservation, Name the location and function of Meibomian gland...

Name the location and function of Meibomian glands in the human eye. a) What is cryopreservation? Give its single use. b) Commercial importance of cryopreservation is relate

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