Question

1. Which of the following are ultimate decomposers?

   		bacteria
   		fungi
   		millipedes
   		Collembolans
   		mites
   		earthworms
   		Only A and B.
   		C, D, E, and F are all reducer decomposers. So are vultures!

2. Which of the following are reducer decomposers?

   		bacteria
   		fungi
   		millipedes
   		Collembolans
   		mites
   		earthworms
   		Only A and B.
   		C, D, E, and F are all reducer decomposers. So are vultures! You want to conduct an experiment on decomposition in the temperate deciduous forest. Which of the following would be usable variables for your experiment? Mesh size in litter bags. Placement of a banana peel into several different biomes. Designing a lab experiment where you drop leaves into hydrochloric and nitric acids. Both A and B. Both B and C. Both A and C.

Answer 1

Bacteria and fungi are known as the ultimate decomposers.Reducers also known as detrivores (such as worms, dung flies, vultures and crabs) are responsible for breaking down dead organic matter. Decomposers, also known as saprotrophs, are the fungi and bacteria which finish the process by further breaking down the dead remains of plants and animals into simple nutrients through decomposition/biodegradation. The nutrients (byproducts of the dead organic materials) are then used by producers resulting in cyclic exchange of materials in the ecosystem. Millipedes are the main reducers of litter on the ground in Tropical forests.Collembolans are coprophagic but their primary role in the environment is that of a reducer.The most important reducers are arthropods and annelids.Nematodes and molluscs are also reducers.Mites come under the arthropod category and Earthworms come under annelids.Thus for the above questions:

1. The answer is: Only A and B.

Since Bacteria and fungi are known as the ultimate decomposers.

2.The answer is: C, D, E, and F are all reducer decomposers. So are vultures!

Since Reducers also known as detrivores (such as worms, dung flies, vultures and crabs) are responsible for breaking down dead organic matter.

3.An experiment on decomposition in the temperate deciduous forest conducted would require the following usable variables for the experiment:

A.Mesh size in litter bags.

Because this lets us know how much exposed is the material to be decomposed to the decomposers and thus how fast the decomposition process shall occur.

B.Placement of a banana peel into several different biomes.

This lets us know how different temperatures, soils, and the amount of light and water help in the decomposition process.

C.Designing a lab experiment where you drop leaves into hydrochloric and nitric acids.

This does not help us in an experiment on decomposition in the temperate deciduous forest.

Thus the answer is:

Both A and B.