Question

Match column I with column II, and choose the correct
combination from the options given below.

	Column I		Column II
a.	Detritus	1.	Partially decomposed leaves
b.	Catabolism	2.	Dark coloured amorphous substance
c.	Humus	3.	Bark and faecal matter
d.	Litter	4.	Enzymatic process

• A. $\begin{array}{cccc}a& b& c& d\\ 1& 4& 3& 2\end{array}$
• B. $\begin{array}{cccc}a& b& c& d\\ 1& 4& 2& 3\end{array}$
• C. $\begin{array}{cccc}a& b& c& d\\ 4& 2& 1& 3\end{array}$
• D. $\begin{array}{cccc}a& b& c& d\\ 2& 3& 4& 1\end{array}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $\begin{array}{cccc}a& b& c& d\\ 1& 4& 2& 3\end{array}$

Detritus - Partially decomposed leaves :
Duff or detritus is partially decomposed and decaying organic matter which lies just beneath the soil surface. In other words, it is partially decomposed litter such as dead leaves.

Catabolism - Enzymatic process :
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. Thus, it is an enzymatic process.

Humus - Dark coloured amorphous substance :
Humus is a cellulose and lignin-rich dark coloured, amorphous organic matter obtained by the action of degradative enzymes of saprophytic decomposers (bacteria, fungi, etc) on dead and decaying organic matter (detritus).

Litter - Bark and faecal matter :
Litter is freshly fallen plant or animal matter such as dead leaves, flowers bark, animal faeces, etc. It is undecomposed organic matter which has not yet been acted upon by detritivores or decomposing microbes.

Final answer :
(C) a b c d
1 4 2 3