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Question

Undecomposed organic matter is called

A
Litter
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B
Humus
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C
Duff
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D
Colloid
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Solution

The correct option is (A) Litter

Humus

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). The process of humus formation is known as humification.

Litter

Litter is freshly fallen plant or animal matter. It is undecomposed organic matter which has not yet been acted upon by detritivores or decomposing microbes. Dead plant material that has fallen to the ground, such as bark, leaves, needles, and twigs, is referred to as plant litter. The nutrients contained in this dead organic waste are filled to the soil's top layer, also called the litter layer or O horizon ("O" represents "organic").

Duff

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. Duff covers the forest floor's soil in a layer that is roughly 5 cm (2 in) thick. Duff's quality and moisture content are crucial factors for assessing the risk of forest fires, and its thermal insulation plays a vital role in creating permafrost.

Colloid

Due to their large surface area, soil colloids, tiny fractions of soil and organic matter, are the most chemically active part of the soil. Colloids' tiny size prevents them from settling and helps the interaction between solids and solutions. Due to their large active surface area, they significantly transfer pollutants and nutrients from the soil. Colloids contain a range of organic and inorganic substances and are very dynamic mediators between dissolved species and particles. Colloids have various physicochemical properties and origins, and they have varied chemical compositions and structures.

Final Answer

Undecomposed organic matter is called Litter.

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