How are waste products/dead organisms recycled in the environment?
They're broken down by decomposers like micro-organisms such as bacteria/fungi
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Give 3 factors that affect the rate of decomposition
Oxygen Availability, Temperature & Water Content
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How does Oxygen affect the rate of decomposition?
Most decomposers need oxygen for aerobic respiration, so the rate of decomposition increases when more oxygen is available. Howver, if there's low oxygen levels that rate of decomposition is slower.
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What happens to the rate of decomposition when decomposers respire anaerobically(without oxygen)?
the rate of decomposition decreases as anaerobic respiration transfers less energy, so decomposers work more slowly
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How does Temperature affect the rate of decomposition?
Most decomposers work best in warm conditions- around 50*C. cos they contain enzymes, which digest the dead/waste matter. At low temperature Rate of reaction is slow & too hot means they become denatured and reaction stops.
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How does Water Content affect the rate of decomposition?
Decomposers NEED water to SURVIVE!!! So, rate of decompsition increases in moist conditions. But if there's too mcuh water e.g. int waterlogged soils the rate decreases as it doesn't contain much oxygen.
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Mildrid is making compost using her vegetable peelings. Give 3 ways she could make sure the waste is decomposed quickly.
1) Make sure the waste gets lots of oxygen 2) keep in a warm place 3) Make sure the waste is moist but not too wet.
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
Give 3 factors that affect the rate of decomposition
Back
Oxygen Availability, Temperature & Water Content
Card 3
Front
How does Oxygen affect the rate of decomposition?
Back
Card 4
Front
What happens to the rate of decomposition when decomposers respire anaerobically(without oxygen)?
Back
Card 5
Front
How does Temperature affect the rate of decomposition?
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