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Question
The rate of decomposition of detritus is affected by the abiotic factors like availability of oxygen, pH of the soil substratum, temperature etc. Discuss.
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Solution
The decomposition of detritus is due to the activities of microorganisms. The rate of growth of microbes is affected by temperature. The pH of subtratum affects the composition of microbes (acidophiles/basophils) which degrade the dead organic matter. If oxygen is present, aerobic degradation occurs. In the absence of oxygen anaerobiosis sets in and there will be incomplete degradation. Also, the degradation is due to the activity of exo enzymes secreted by the microbes and the activity of enzyme is affected by factors such as temperature etc.
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Assertion (A): Decomposition process is slower if detritus is rich in lignin and cutin.
Reason (R): Decomposition is largely an oxygen requiring process.
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Choose the correct answer from the option given below:
What is the primary distinction between fragmentation and catabolism?
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How does the presence of water-soluble substances like simple sugars and proteins affect decomposition?
