Question

Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. This process is called

• A. All of the above
• B. Catabolism
• C. Fragmentation
• D. Leaching

Answer 1

The correct option is B Catabolism

Fragmentation :
Fragmentation refers to the pulverisation or grinding of the detritus into finer particles in the digestive tract of detritivores such as earthworms, ants, millipedes, snails, etc which feed on it. This pulverised detritus is passed out in the faeces of the detritivores and has increased surface area for microbial action.

Leaching :
Leaching refers to the movement of the water-soluble inorganic nutrients, present in the fragmented or decomposed detritus, into the upper layers of the soil by the action of percolating water. These soluble inorganic nutrients precipitate as unavailable salts in the soil horizon.

Catabolism :
Catabolism refers to any biochemical reaction that helps in the breakdown of a complex compound into simpler ones. It is one of the processes involved in the process of decomposition during which the decomposers secrete digestive enzymes and break down complex organic matter in the detritus to simple organic or inorganic compounds.

Final answer :
(C) Catabolism