Factors Affecting Decomposition Flashcards

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What is decomposition in an ecosystem?

Decomposition is the breaking down of dead plants, animals and their waste into simpler substances by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

Decomposition is faster in warm conditions because decomposers’ enzymes work best when it is warm, so they can break down material more quickly.

If it is too hot, decomposer microorganisms may die and their enzymes can be damaged, so decomposition slows down or stops.

Cold temperatures make decomposers much less active, so they break down the food more slowly and it takes longer to decay.

Decomposition is faster in moist conditions because microorganisms need water to grow and carry out chemical reactions.

Dry, salty or very sugary conditions remove water from microorganisms, so they cannot grow well and decomposition is very slow.

With plenty of oxygen, decomposers can respire aerobically and release more energy, so they break down dead material faster.

When oxygen is low, many decomposers cannot respire efficiently, so decay is much slower.

Small pieces have a larger surface area for microorganisms to act on, so they are decomposed more quickly than large pieces.

Turning a compost heap mixes in oxygen, spreads moisture and spreads microorganisms, which all help the material to decompose faster.