Question

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

• A. Humification - Leads to the accumulation of a dark coloured substance humus which undergoes microbial action at a very fast rate
• B. Catabolism - Last step in the decomposition under fully anaerobic condition
• C. Leaching - Water soluble inorganic nutrients rise to the top layers of soil
• D. Fragmentation - Carried out by organisms such as earthworm

Answer 1

The correct option is D Fragmentation - Carried out by organisms such as earthworm

Humification - Formation of or conversion into humus.
Catabolism - The breakdown of complex molecules in living organisms to form simpler ones, together with the release of energy; destructive metabolism.
Leaching - Natural process by which water soluble substances (such as calcium, fertilizers, pesticides) are washed out from soil or wastes. These leached out chemicals cause pollution of surface and sub-surface water.
Fragmentation - The act of breaking into multiple pieces. Fragmentation is a method of reproduction seen in many organisms, such as, filamentous cyanobacteria, moulds, lichens, many plants, and animals like sponges, flatworms, some annelid worms, and sea stars.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.