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

Abdomen - hypertension, The purpose of examining the abdomen should be for ...

The purpose of examining the abdomen should be for detection of renal artery bruit and abnormal kidney masses like kidney tumours and polycystic kidneys. Aortic abdominal aneurysms

Role of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase - gene expression, Define Role of...

Define Role of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase - Gene Expression? Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is another enzyme involved in lipogenesis that is regulated by diet

What is peri-implantitis, Peri-Implantitis (Infective Process- Bacterial Or...

Peri-Implantitis (Infective Process- Bacterial Origin) Bacterial invasion of the peri-implant soft tissue results in its inflammation followed by rapid bone loss. Peri-Implanti

Skeleton, what is the biological significance of skeleton

what is the biological significance of skeleton

Why water is considered a universal solvent, Water is considered a universa...

Water is considered a universal solvent because- Select one: a. it can dissolve polar and non-polar compounds b. it can dissolve both positively and negatively charged ion

Platelet, What happens if platelets aren''t present in blood?

What happens if platelets aren''t present in blood?

Nominalistic species concept, The nominalists deny the existence of Plato's...

The nominalists deny the existence of Plato's "types". For them only individuals exist. Species are man-made artificial abstractions. But naturalists, the biologists who have actua

Is hemoglobin and myoglobin are heterotetramers, Which of the following sta...

Which of the following statements about hemoglobin and myoglobin structure are true? Select the five true statements. 1. By itself, heme is not a good oxygen carrier. It must be

Name the methods for extracting phosphorous, Name the methods for extractin...

Name the methods for extracting phosphorous Phosphorus/phosphate - Phosphorous is estimated as phosphate. Some methods for extracting phosphorous are as follows:   Dyer met

Project for seminar, Ask question #Minimum 100 words acceptethe best topics...

Ask question #Minimum 100 words acceptethe best topics for seminAR d#

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