The Question is from neet-zoology strategies-for-enhancement-in-food-production , and it was created by the author T HARITHA

Question

Consider the following statements regarding the process of decomposition in an ecosystem:

I. Decomposition rate is independent of environmental factors like temperature and moisture.
II. Detritivores play a crucial role in fragmenting organic matter, increasing the surface area for microbial action.
III. Decomposition leads to the release of nutrients back into the ecosystem.
IV. Decomposition only occurs in aerobic conditions.

Which of the above statements are correct?

T HARITHA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: B
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Decomposition in ecosystems
 **Related Topics**: Detritivores, nutrient cycling, environmental factors affecting decomposition, aerobic and anaerobic decomposition
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of ecological processes
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
Four statements about decomposition in an ecosystem.
**Method & Steps**:
1. Analyze each statement individually.
    Statement I: Decomposition rate is heavily influenced by temperature and moisture. Higher temperatures and moisture generally speed up decomposition. This statement is incorrect.
    Statement II: Detritivores (like earthworms and insects) physically break down organic matter into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area available for decomposer microbes (bacteria and fungi) to work on, accelerating decomposition. This statement is correct.
    Statement III: Decomposition breaks down complex organic matter into simpler inorganic compounds (like nitrates and phosphates), making essential nutrients available for plants and other organisms. This statement is correct.
    Statement IV: While aerobic decomposition (requiring oxygen) is common, anaerobic decomposition (without oxygen) also occurs in environments like swamps and deep soils. This statement is incorrect.
2. Identify the correct statements. Statements II and III are correct.
3. Select the option that matches the correct statements.
    Result: Option B (II and III only) is the correct answer.
    Verification: All the statements have been analyzed individually, and only the correct ones are selected.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Statement I is incorrect.
B ✓: Statements II and III are correct.
C :x: Statements I and IV are incorrect.
D :x: Statement IV is incorrect.
## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Assuming that decomposition only occurs in aerobic conditions:  Remember that anaerobic decomposition exists.
  2. Overlooking the importance of detritivores:  They play a crucial role in the process.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember the factors affecting decomposition rates: temperature, moisture, oxygen availability, and pH.
  2.  Think of the nutrient cycle: decomposition is a key part of returning nutrients to the ecosystem.

T HARITHA · Answer

I and II only

T HARITHA · Answer

The correct Option is "II and III only"

T HARITHA · Answer

I, III and IV only

T HARITHA · Answer

II, III and IV only

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