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

Orders, order of the phylum protozoa

order of the phylum protozoa

Cells, what is the function of nucleus

what is the function of nucleus

Following statement true for prokaryotic or eukaryotic, Following statement...

Following statement true for prokaryotic or eukaryotic? They use deoxyribonucleic acid as their major information storage molecule

Explain adverse effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, Adverse effects o...

Adverse effects of Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate  The most common adverse effects have been nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Renal failure, including a Fanconi-like syndrome, has

Can you explain reticulum and the rumen, Q. Cows swallow their food once an...

Q. Cows swallow their food once and then this food goes back to the mouth to be chewed again. How can this phenomenon be explained? The food ingested by cows and other ruminant

What is anti-arrhythmic pacemaker defibrillators, What is Anti-arrhythmic p...

What is Anti-arrhythmic pacemaker defibrillators ? Antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) are classified according to whether they exert blocking actions predominantly on sodium, potassiu

Why is the fish circulation classified as simple circulation, Why is the fi...

Why is the fish circulation classified as a simple and complete circulation? Complete circulation is that in which there is no mixture of venous blood and arterial blood. As ci

What will happen without enough insulin, Q. What will happen without enough...

Q. What will happen without enough insulin? Without enough insulin two things can happen. Firstly, the cells of the body will be unable to use the glucose in the blood for ener

Define methods for studying the nutrient requirements, Define Methods for S...

Define Methods for Studying the Nutrient Requirements? 1) Population survey of nutrient intakes of healthy individuals is one method of estimating nutrient requirements. The av

Explain the working of pulmonary circulation, Explain the working of Pulmon...

Explain the working of Pulmonary Circulation? In pulmonary circulation, blood is pumped to the lungs, where carbon dioxide is exchanged for oxygen. Blood returning from the bod

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