Answer the following:
(a) What is the function of micro-organisms in the soil?
(b) What do living things get from the environment?
(c) Why is it necessary to be alert and prevent any damage to the environment?
(a) Microorganisms play a very important role in the environment. They help to decompose the dead bodies of plants and animals and hence, act as cleansing agent for the environment. It is only due to the presence of decomposers (microbes) that the various nutrient elements that are initially taken by plants from the soil, air and water are returned to their original place after the death of the plant and animal. Therefore, the decomposers help in recycling the material in the ecosystem so that the process of life may go on and on like an unending chain.
(b) Living things get all the essential elements needed for survival from their environment including food, air, water and clothes.
(c) If any component of the environment is harmed, it will lead to the disturbance of many cycles operating in nature, which in turn, will be responsible for the occurrence of disasters like tsunamis. Hence, it is necessary to be alert and prevent any damage to the environment.