1.

Detrivores like earthworm are involved in the process of decomposition of dead plants and animals. Describe the different steps involved in the process of decomposition.

Answer»

The dead remains of plants and aminals called detritus undergo decomposition and are converted into simpler substances. The steps of this process are : 

Fragmentation : Breakdown of detritus into smaller pieces by detrivoures like earthworm. 

Leaching : Water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. 

Catabolism : Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances.

Humification : It leads to accumulation of dark coloured amorphous substance called humus which is highly resistant to microbial action so decomposes at slow rate and is rich in nutrients. 

Mineralisation : Humus is further degraded by some microbes and release of inorganic nutrients occurs. 


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