Tag: interdependence between plants and animals

Bacteria decompose the organic matter which is not really living. hence, it cannot be considered as a pray-predator relationship.

Little decomposition occurs during the formation of primary sludge. Activated sludge possess flocs of decomposer microbes. Formation of activated sludge requires aeration. But formation of primary sludge does not requir ample aeration. So, the correct option is 'Formation of primary sludge requires ample aeration'

Predation is the biological interaction where an organism called predator feeds on the other living organism called prey. It plays an important role in the distribution and diversity of the species in the ecosystem.

Bacteria are important decomposers; they are widely distributed and can break down any type of organic matter. The primary decomposers of litter in many ecosystems are fungi. Unlike bacteria, which are unicellular organisms, most saprotrophic fungi grow as a branching network of hyphae. While bacteria are restricted to growing and feeding on the exposed surfaces of organic matter, fungi can use their hyphae to penetrate larger pieces of organic matter. Fungi decompose organic matter by releasing enzymes to break down the decaying material, after which they absorb the nutrients in the decaying material.

Fungi and bacteria are known as saprophytes. Saprophytes are decay organisms and are responsible for getting dead animals and plants to rot (decompose). They break down the remains into simple chemicals, e.g., nitrates, which contain nitrogen, an important element needed by plants. Without saprophytes the soil would quickly run out of nutrients and the plants would have no food. 

There are four components of the ecosystem namely, abiotic substances, producers, consumers, and reducers also called as decomposers. 

Decomposers are also unable to make their own food. Hence, they break down waste products and dead organisms for food. These broken down materials are returned to the soil to be recycled and used by plants again.

Explanation: Bacteria and fungi are decomposers. They break down waste products and dead organisms for food.

Decomposers are organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the organic matter in the dead bodies of plants and animals. As the decomposers feed on the dead animals, they break down the organic compounds into simple nutrients to the soil. Organic matter is recycled in an ecosystem by decomposers.