Detritus food chains, Biology

Assignment Help:

Detritus Food Chains

Detritus food chains begin with dead organic matter which is an important source of energy. A large amount of organic matter is contributed by the death of plants, plant parts, animals and their excretion products. These types of food chains are present in all ecosystems but they are over dominating in forest ecosystems and shallow water communities. Various species of microscopic fungi, bacteria and other saprophytes play a prominent role in decomposing organic matter to obtain energy needed for their survival and growth. In this process they release various nutrients, locked in dead organic matter, which are used readily by the green plants. Detritus food chains are interconnected with grazing food chains and other auxiliary food chains through certain specific common organisms to permit crossing over of energy and material flow from one circuit to another.

For example, cattle do not assimilate all of the energy stored in plants, undigested residues in faeces become available for the decomposers and the detritivores. Detritus food chains are located mainly in the soil or in the segments of aquatic ecosystems. They form an essential component of natural ecosystems and are necessary for self-sustenance and for maintaining ecological balance. Detritus food chains can be of great practical value for modern man for sewage treatment and control of water pollution. Most of the natural ecosystems possess both grazing and detritus types of food chains. Their relative importance however, varies from one ecosystem to another. In terrestrial and shallow water ecosystems, detritus food chains dominate because a major proportion of the annual energy flow passes through this circuit. In case of tidal marshes, almost 90 per cent of the primary production is routed through the detritus food chains. In deep water aquatic systems rapid turnover of organisms and high rate of harvest are responsible for the dominance of grazing food chains.


Related Discussions:- Detritus food chains

Define a ''rag doll'' seed tester, A 'rag doll' seed tester Fold a squa...

A 'rag doll' seed tester Fold a square metre of muslin twice in the similar direction. Near one end mark out eight or ten squares about 5 cm by 5cm with a pencil. Number the sq

Explain the dietary fibre and colon cancer, Explain the Dietary fibre and c...

Explain the Dietary fibre and colon cancer? The relationship between colorectal cancer and dietary fibre remains complex. Although a cause-and-effect relationship between fibre

Define instrument for measurement of absorbed radiation, Define Instrument ...

Define Instrument for Measurement of Absorbed Radiation? a) Photometer: This is an instrument which it designed to measure the intensity of the beam of light and usually does s

Illustrate chromosome structure, Q. Illustrate Chromosome Structure? Cy...

Q. Illustrate Chromosome Structure? Cytologists have studied chromosome morphology and have pointed out that the most interesting feature about the chromosome structure is the

Photosynthesis and nutrition in plants, In a school laboratory, what is usu...

In a school laboratory, what is usually regarded as evidence that photosynthetis has occurred in a plant

Lungs - respiration, Lungs - Respiration Lungs can be simple, characte...

Lungs - Respiration Lungs can be simple, characterised by air exchange with surrounding environment by diffusion only. These are called the diffusion lungs and are present in

Round worm, parasitic adaptation of round worm

parasitic adaptation of round worm

Explain assessment of iron status - transferrin saturation, Explain assessm...

Explain assessment of iron status - Transferrin saturation? Transferrin saturation: As iron deficiency progresses, there is a decline in transferrin saturation. With deficiency

Explain lamda and kappa-carrageenan, Explain Lamda and Kappa-carrageenan ...

Explain Lamda and Kappa-carrageenan Lamda-carrageenan at a concentration of 0.05% produces thickening and  stabilization. Sodium salts of Lamda and Kappa-carrageenan at a co

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