Decomposers: Micro vs Macro

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Questions and Answers

What is an example of a micro-decomposer?

Earthworm

Slug

Fungi (correct)

Mushroom

Which of the following statements is true regarding macro-decomposers?

They primarily consist of bacteria.

They are larger but less numerous. (correct)

They play a negligible role in decomposition.

They are microscopic organisms.

Which organism category does not belong to micro-decomposers?

Fungi

Bacteria

Insects (correct)

Protozoans

In terms of size, how do micro-decomposers compare to macro-decomposers?

Micro-decomposers are smaller than macro-decomposers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the cycling of nutrients in the biosphere?

Biogeochemical cycle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the classification of decomposers?

Both micro-decomposers and macro-decomposers play a key role. Signup and view all the answers

What geometric shape is always formed in the context of energy transfer in ecosystems?

Upright pyramid Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between nutrients and biogeochemical cycles?

Nutrients are recycled through various biological and geological processes. Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is primarily associated with the movement of energy and nutrients in ecosystems?

Biogeochemical cycles Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'upright pyramid' suggest in the context of ecological energy transfer?

Energy is lost at higher trophic levels. Signup and view all the answers

Which process uses carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or water?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is a key compound involved in the carbon cycle found dissolved in oceans?

Bicarbonates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a process included in the carbon cycle?

Evaporation Signup and view all the answers

Why is carbon dioxide important in photosynthesis?

It is used to produce glucose. Signup and view all the answers

Where is a significant amount of carbon dioxide found aside from the atmosphere?

In oceans Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the phosphates that move with surface runoff?

They reach the oceans and are lost into deep sediments. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes phosphorus to be taken out of its normal cycle?

Loss of phosphorus into the oceans. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the supply of phosphorus considered limited?

Phosphate rocks are being rapidly depleted. Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of the over-exploitation of phosphorus?

A disruption in the natural phosphorus cycle. Signup and view all the answers

Where does a significant amount of phosphate end up due to surface runoff?

In deep ocean sediments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of carbon found in living organisms?

Atmospheric carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the solubility of carbon dioxide?

Carbon dioxide is highly soluble in water. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about carbon dioxide is incorrect?

It exists solely in the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the carbon cycle, what is the significance of fossil fuels?

They store carbon derived from ancient photosynthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Which process is primarily responsible for releasing carbon from fossil fuels back into the atmosphere?

Burning of the fuels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Decomposers

Decomposers are classified into two types: micro-decomposers and macro-decomposers.
Micro-decomposers include microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoans.
Macro-decomposers are larger organisms but are fewer in number.
The structure of decomposer populations resembles an upright pyramid, indicating the larger biomass of micro-decomposers compared to macro-decomposers.

Biogeochemical Cycles

Biogeochemical cycles refer to the cycling of nutrients within the biosphere.
The carbon cycle is a key component, where atmospheric carbon dioxide serves as the primary carbon source for living organisms and fossil fuels.
Carbon dioxide is highly soluble in water; oceans hold significant amounts of dissolved carbon dioxide and bicarbonates.

Carbon Cycle Processes

Photosynthesis is a crucial process where terrestrial and aquatic plants use carbon dioxide to produce organic compounds.
A considerable amount of phosphates is transported with surface runoff into oceans, leading to loss in deep sediments.
Phosphate rocks on Earth contain limited phosphorus supply, leading to over-exploitation and further loss from the normal phosphorus cycle.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of decomposers with this quiz. Learn about the differences between micro-decomposers like bacteria and fungi, and macro-decomposers that are larger in size but fewer in number. Test your understanding of their roles in the ecosystem.