Web of Life: Mystery 3

How are mushroom roots different than plant roots?

• Mushroom roots grow in the air.

• Mushroom do not have roots.

• Mushroom roots decompose dead leaves.

• Mushroom roots are stronger than plant roots.

What is a decomposer?

• a living thing that eats meat

• a living thing that eats plants

• a living thing that eats plants and meats

• a living thing that breaks down dead things

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following is NOT an example of a decomposer?

• cactus

• mushroom

• bacteria

• fungi

Mold and mushrooms are both types of _____.

• fungi

• bacteria

• herbivores

• producers

We keep food in the refrigerator because it prevents our food from rotting. Decomposers, like mold, are still in the system, the cold temperature just means that they decompose material (matter) more slowly. If the forest system shown is located in a climate that has very cold winters and warmer summers, what do you predict will happen? There are 2 correct answers.

• The dead leaves in the forest will decompose more quickly in the winter with cooler temperatures

• The dead leaves in the forest will decompose more slowly in the winter with cooler temperatures.

• The dead leaves in the forest will decompose more quickly in the summer with warmer temperatures.

• The dead leaves in the forest will decompose more slowly in the summer with the warmer temperatures.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Little seeds of mold mushrooms floating around your house are called _____.

• particles

• spores

• dust

• particulates

What do leaves become after they are broken down by decomposers?

• mushrooms

• air

• soil

• fungi

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

7. Look back at the model. If there were suddenly no decomposers—no mushrooms, no mold, no fungus—what do you think would happen to the forest system? Support your thinking with reasoning using the model.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4