B1.6 Waste Materials from Plants and Animals
- Created by: Fiona S
- Created on: 04-06-15 16:47
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Decay Processes
Decay occurs when a group of of organisms called decomposers feed on dead organic material.
- The decomposers are largly microorganisms e.g. bacteria and fungi
- They feed on dead organisms and waste droppings
- Some animals start the process
- These are called detritus feeders
- The microorganisms then produce enzymes to digest everything - dead animals and plants, detritus feeders plus their waste
- The microorganisms help to make the material to decay but also release substances back into the environment again
- The waste products of the decomposers are carbon dioxide, water and minerals which plants can use
- This recycling of materials through the process of decay makes sure the soil remains fertile and plants can grow
Conditions for Decay
- Warm Temperature
- High temperature destroys decaying organisms and low temperatures slow the rate of reactions of enzymes which prevents the growth and reproduction. So warm temperatures will allows the decay to grow
- Oxygen
- Oxygen is…
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