NEET BIOLOGY

ECOLOGY

ORGANISMS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
An organism that breaks down dead biomass ____
A
producer
B
consumer
C
decomposer
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -They include fungi along with invertebrate organisms sometimes called detritivores, which include earthworms, termites, and millipedes. Fungi are important decomposers, especially in forests.

Detailed explanation-2: -Biomass is organic matter left behind when organisms die or as a byproduct of some industries. Decomposers cycle biomass back into the food web by converting this organic matter into carbon dioxide and nutrients. Energy is released in the form of heat during this process.

Detailed explanation-3: -Fungi decompose organic matter by releasing enzymes to break down the decaying material, after which they absorb the nutrients in the decaying material. Hyphae are used to break down matter and absorb nutrients and are also used in reproduction.

Detailed explanation-4: -Decomposers are bacteria and fungi which break down dead plant and animal matter. They secrete enzymes on the surface of the dead organisms to break them down and then absorb the digested, smaller food molecules.

Detailed explanation-5: -Once the detritus is fragmented and water-soluble nutrients are removed from the detritus, enzymes released by the decomposing fungi and the bacteria act upon the detritus. These enzymes catabolize the detritus further to break down the complex matter into simple molecular nutrients.

There is 1 question to complete.