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 avoidance of shock in nutritional care, Explain Avoidance of Shock ...

Explain Avoidance of Shock in Nutritional Care? Loss of plasma proteins lead to decrease in blood volume (hypovolemia) and lowered red blood cell volume causing a potential dan

Explain about anabolism, Q. Explain about Anabolism? Anabolism is a pro...

Q. Explain about Anabolism? Anabolism is a process of synthesis or making of larger or complex molecules from smaller molecules. The molecules are of different kinds like hormo

Define nutritional needs of the elderly, Define Nutritional Needs of the El...

Define Nutritional Needs of the Elderly? In this, we learnt about the nutritional needs of the elderly, and in doing so we have also focused on many other aspects such as who d

Day-neutral plants, Day-Neutral Plants  Besides SDP and LDP, those pla...

Day-Neutral Plants  Besides SDP and LDP, those plants that flower irrespective of the length of light are called day-neutral plants. For these there is no specific requirement

What is a skiers launch speed, In the aerials competition in skiing, the co...

In the aerials competition in skiing, the competitors speed down a ramp that slopes sharply upward at the end. The sharp upward slope launches them into the air, where they perform

Explain hyperthermophilic organisms, Some hyperthermophilic organisms that ...

Some hyperthermophilic organisms that grow in highly acidic (pH2) habitats belong to the two groups: 1. Eubacteria and archaea 2. Cyanobacteria and diatoms 3. Protists and

Cannulation-procedures of oxygenators, Cannulation :  Typically blood is d...

Cannulation :  Typically blood is drained by gravity through two cannulae inserted into the superior and inferior vena cavae. During bypass, if the SVC and IVC are snared, the ent

Define the meaning of behaviour change communication, Meaning of Behaviour ...

Meaning of Behaviour Change Communication Now day's very common term used for giving health education to people and for giving information to bring change in behaviour is Behav

List down the various mycotoxins associated with food, Q. List down the var...

Q. List down the various mycotoxins associated with food? Mycotoxins associated with foods are: • Aflatoxins (produced by Aspergillus flavus) • Ochratoxin (produced

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