Tag: ecosystems

Questions Related to ecosystems

Which of the following process is involved in the processing of manures?

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. The decomposition of animal excreta

  2. Plant waste

  3. Above both options are correct

  4. None of these

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Manure is prepared by the decomposition of animal excreta and plant waste.

So, the correct answer is 'above both options are correct'

What causes the decomposition of organic matter in soil?

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Insects

  2. Plants

  3. Algae

  4. Bacteria

Show answer
Correct Option: D

Which of the following statement regarding decomposition is false?

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Warm and moist environment favors decomposition.

  2. Decomposition rate is slower if detritus is rich in chitin and lignin.

  3. Earthworm is a detritivore.

  4. Precipitation of soluble inorganic nutrients into the soil horizon of unavailable salt is called as mineralization.

Show answer
Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Decomposition takes part in recycling of biogeochemicals and creating space for newer generations of organisms. A number of processes are involved in decomposition. 

They are grouped into three categories- 
(i) Fragmentation of detritus carried out by earthworms, termites, millipedes etc. 
(ii) Catabolism carried out by decomposers, which secrete digestive enzymes over the detritus and change insoluble complex organic substances into  simple and soluble organic and inorganic substances. 
(iii) Leaching in which soluble substances formed during decomposition are passed to deeper layers of soil. 
The process of decomposition is favoured by warm and moist environment, because it favours growth of decomposers. 
Mineralization is the release of inorganic substances both non-mineral, example carbon dioxide and water; and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, etc from organic matter.
In short, mineralisation is the process by which humus is further degraded by some microbes to release inorganic substances.
Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Passage of minerals from top soil to subsoil through seepage of water is known as

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Leaching

  2. Percolation

  3. Conduction

  4. Transpiration

Show answer
Correct Option: A

Downward passage of mineral, from upper soil layer to lower soil strata is called

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Percolation

  2. Leaching

  3. Weathering

  4. Runaway

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:

A liquid when slowly passes through a filter, this is called percolation.

Leaching is the natural process by which water soluble substances (such as calcium, fertilizers, pesticides) are washed out from soil or wastes in the downward passage from upper soil layer to lower soil strata.
Breakdown of rocks at the Earth's surface, by the heavy rainfall, extremes of temperature, and biological activity is called weathering.
Runaway is the passing of soil and other substances by rain.
Thus, the correct answer is option (B).

For recycling of materials which one is most necessary  ______________.

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. producers

  2. Consumers

  3. Decomposers

  4. None of above

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The decomposers are heterotrophic organisms that break up the dead bodies of plants and their waste products into smaller bits or molecules. The reducers release molecules to the environment as chemical to be used

again by the producers.
So, the correct answer is 'Decomposers'

Formation of organic matter takes place by

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Chemical weathering

  2. Soil micro-organisms

  3. Herbivores

  4. Soil water

Show answer
Correct Option: B

In the absence of decomposers, ecosystem functioning is adversely affected due to

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Blocking of energy flow

  2. Blocking of mineral cycling

  3. Blocking of solar energy to herbivores

  4. Rate of decomposition of other components will increase

Show answer
Correct Option: B
Explanation:
A food chain is series of plants/animals which are interrelated in the form of organism being eaten as food by the other. Trophic levels in a food chain are formed by producers, consumers and decomposers. In the given food chain, plants are producers. The animals eating plants are called as primary consumers and animals eating primary consumers are called as secondary consumers. Decomposers are those which decomposes the waster organic matter and release energy back in the environment. They cycle the various minerals between environment and living organisms. Hence, in the absence of decomposers, ecosystem functioning is adversely affected due to blocking of mineral cycling.
Thus, the correct answer is 'Blocking of mineral cycling.'

Pheretima and its close relatives obtain nourishment from

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Decaying fallen leaves and soil organic matter

  2. Soil insects

  3. Small pieces of fresh fallen leaves of Maize and others

  4. Sugarcane roots

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Pheretima is a genus of earthworm. Pheretima and its close relatives obtain nourishment from decaying fallen leaves and soil organic matter. They are called as decomposers. They decomposes the dead organic matter and releases nutrients back into the environment.

Thus, the correct answer is 'Decaying fallen leaves and soil organic matter.'

Slow rate of decomposition of fallen logs in nature is due to

zoology ecosystems decomposition in ecosystem ecosystem productivity and decomposition producers, consumers and decomposers

  1. Anaerobic environment around them

  2. Low cellulose contents

  3. Low moisture content

  4. Poor nitrogen content

Show answer
Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The slow rate of decomposition of fallen logs in nature is due to their low moisture content The cellulose is in high amount in fallen logs. 

Decomposers break down dead plants and animals. They also break down the waste (poop) of other organisms. Decomposers are very important for any ecosystem. Low moisture content will lead to a decrease in the number of decomposers because decomposers require an optimum moisture for their proper growth and functioning.
So the answer is 'Low moisture content'.