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Question
Breakdown of detritus into smaller particles by earthworm is a process called
Breakdown of detritus into smaller particles by earthworm is a process called
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Solution
The correct option is B Fragmentation
Introduction to decomposition :
Decomposition is the process of breakdown of complex organic materials present in the dead decaying organic matter into simple inorganic compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and mineral nutrients. It is carried out by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, etc.
Decomposition of detritus is a function of different processes such as: -
● Fragmentation
● Leaching
● Catabolism which involves humification and mineralisation
Humification:
Humification is the process of decomposition of detritus to form a cellulose and lignin-rich dark coloured, amorphous organic matter known as humus.
Fragmentation:
Fragmentation refers to the pulverisation or grinding of the detritus into finer and smaller 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.
Mineralisation :
The release of inorganic substances such as CO2, H2O, minerals, etc from the organic matter in the detritus as well as the humus, during decomposition, is known as mineralisation. This happens as a result of the action of digestive enzymes released by decomposer microbes (bacteria, fungi, etc) on the detritus or the humus.
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:
(B) Fragmentation
Introduction to decomposition :
Decomposition is the process of breakdown of complex organic materials present in the dead decaying organic matter into simple inorganic compounds such as carbon dioxide, water and mineral nutrients. It is carried out by microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, etc.
Decomposition of detritus is a function of different processes such as: -
● Fragmentation
● Leaching
● Catabolism which involves humification and mineralisation
Humification:
Humification is the process of decomposition of detritus to form a cellulose and lignin-rich dark coloured, amorphous organic matter known as humus.
Fragmentation:
Fragmentation refers to the pulverisation or grinding of the detritus into finer and smaller 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.
Mineralisation :
The release of inorganic substances such as CO2, H2O, minerals, etc from the organic matter in the detritus as well as the humus, during decomposition, is known as mineralisation. This happens as a result of the action of digestive enzymes released by decomposer microbes (bacteria, fungi, etc) on the detritus or the humus.
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:
(B) Fragmentation
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