Question

Which one of the following processes during decomposition is correctly described?

• A. Leaching - water-soluble inorganic nutrients rise to the top layers of soil
• B. Catabolism - last step in the decomposition under fully anaerobic conditions
• C. Humification - leads to the accumulation of dark-colored substance humus Which undergoes microbial action at a very fast rate.
• D. Fragmentation- carried out by organisms such as earthworms

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Fragmentation- carried out by organisms such as earthworms

The correct option is D.

The explanation for the correct option:

1. The process of decaying dead matter with help of microbes or other organisms is called decomposition.
2. This process occurs in the soil.
3. The organisms causing decomposition are referred to be detrivores.
4. Fragmentation is referred to as the process of Breaking down dead and decaying matter into smaller particles which are done by Detritivores (Earthworm).

The explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. During the process of Leaching, Water-soluble inorganic nutrients go into the depth of soil and then to the topmost layer of the soi, where they can get accumulated as unavailable salts
2. It tends to increase soil nutrient levels.

Option B:

1. Catabolism referred to the third step of decomposition which is observed after the leaching process.
2. Enzymes produced by Bacteria and Fungi in the soil, due to anaerobic conditions break dead and decaying material into inorganic material.
3. And this process is referred to as Catabolism.

Option C:

1. Humification refers to the accumulation of humus.
2. a dark-colored amorphous substance that is highly resistant to microbial action is referred to as Humus.
3. Due to microbial resistance, it undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow rate.

Final answer:

Humification is the process of decomposition which is described correctly.