Microorganisms and Decay

What role do microorganisms play in the decay process?

• Microorganisms produce energy for plants

• Microorganisms cause diseases in animals

• Microorganisms decompose organic matter, recycle nutrients, and facilitate decay.

• Microorganisms are only found in extreme environments

How does temperature influence the rate of decay?

• Higher temperatures slow down the rate of decay.

• Temperature has no effect on the rate of decay.

• Lower temperatures increase the rate of decay.

• Higher temperatures increase the rate of decay, while lower temperatures decrease it.

What are decomposers, and why are they important in food webs?

• Decomposers are essential in food webs as they recycle nutrients, support plant growth, and maintain ecosystem health.

• Decomposers are only harmful to plants.

• Decomposers are primary producers in food webs.

• Decomposers do not affect nutrient cycling.

Can you name a few microorganisms involved in decay?

• Viruses

• Algae

• Bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes

• Protozoa

How does nutrient cycling benefit ecosystems?

• Nutrient cycling benefits ecosystems by ensuring the availability of essential nutrients, promoting biodiversity, and maintaining soil health.

• Nutrient cycling leads to soil depletion.

• Nutrient cycling eliminates competition among species.

• Nutrient cycling reduces plant growth.

What happens to organic matter during the decay process?

• Organic matter is decomposed into simpler substances, releasing nutrients and carbon dioxide.

• Organic matter is converted into fossil fuels during the decay process.

• Organic matter remains unchanged and does not decompose over time.

• Organic matter is transformed into energy without releasing any byproducts.

How might higher temperatures affect microbial activity?

• Extreme heat always enhances microbial growth.

• Higher temperatures generally increase microbial activity, but extreme heat can be detrimental.

• Microbial activity decreases with any increase in temperature.

• Higher temperatures have no effect on microbial activity.

Draw a simple food web that includes at least one decomposer.

• Tree -> Caterpillar -> Owl; Worms (decomposer) recycle plant matter.

• Algae -> Fish -> Shark; Yeast (decomposer) ferments organic material.

• Grass -> Bird -> Snake; Bacteria (decomposer) breaks down soil nutrients.

• Grass -> Rabbit -> Fox; Fungi (decomposer) breaks down dead organisms.

Why are decomposers considered essential for nutrient cycling?

• Decomposers are essential for nutrient cycling because they recycle nutrients from dead matter back into the ecosystem.

• Decomposers are harmful to the ecosystem.

• Decomposers only break down living organisms.

• Decomposers produce energy for plants.

How do microorganisms help in breaking down waste materials?

• Microorganisms are harmful and do not interact with waste materials.

• Microorganisms only produce energy without breaking down waste.

• Microorganisms help in breaking down waste materials by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients.

• Microorganisms create waste materials from organic matter.