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

Explain about vitamins, Vitamins Vitamins, as you may already know, der...

Vitamins Vitamins, as you may already know, derive its name from the word 'Vital Amine'. These are the organic compounds required for normal metabolism, growth and developme

Hiatus hernia, Hiatus Hernia: In  this type of hernia, cardiac end of ...

Hiatus Hernia: In  this type of hernia, cardiac end of  the stomach passes through an abnormally wide oesophageal opening in the diaphragm  (see Fig. 2.6). Clinical manifestat

How sugar is used in puddings, How sugar is used in Puddings, Sauces and Pi...

How sugar is used in Puddings, Sauces and Pie Fillings? When dry starch is added directly to a hot liquid, the particles on the outside tend to cook first, lumping the raw star

Explain the stool weight and laxation, Explain the Stool weight and laxatio...

Explain the Stool weight and laxation? The amount of stool excreted varies markedly from individual to individual and in an individual over a period of time. Faeces are complex

Match each with the corresponding item, Match each item in Column A with th...

Match each item in Column A with the corresponding item in Column B regarding infectious diseases Column A Column B a. Pulmonary tuberculosis i. Enteric infectious protozoan diseas

Similar organs and similar general shape be explained, How can the fact tha...

How can the fact that fishes and dolphins have similar organs and similar general shape be explained? Dolphins and Fishes have similar organs and shape because although they ha

Explain semi-synthetic gums, Modified or Semi-synthetic Gums These are ...

Modified or Semi-synthetic Gums These are natural polymers, which are chemically modified to give a new product with improved functional properties. These also fall into severa

What is signifying by suction force of the plant cell, Q. What is signifyin...

Q. What is signifying by suction force of the plant cell? Does the suction force facilitate or make difficult the entry of water into the cell? The suction force (SF) is the os

What is biochemical composition, What is Biochemical Composition As lif...

What is Biochemical Composition As life evolved on this planet, nature selected only a few elements, and life eventually came to be based essentially on carbon compounds. Out o

Water absorption and transpiration, Water Absorption and Transpiration ...

Water Absorption and Transpiration The rate of water absorption is controlled by the rate of transpiration. A high water potential in the atmosphere would reduce water loss fr

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