Ecosystem Question 8
8. Which one of the following processes during decomposition is correctly described?
[NEET 2013]
(a) Humification-Leads to the accumulation of a dark coloured substance humus which undergoes microbial action at every fast rate
(b) Catabolism-Last step decomposition under fully anaerobic condition
(c) Leaching-Water soluble inorganic nutrients rise to the top layers of soil
(d) Fragmentation-Carried out by organisms such as earthworm
Show Answer
Answer : d
Hints & Solutions
(d) Humification, catabolism, leaching and fragmentation are the steps of decomposition which operate simultaneously on the detritus. Fragmentation is breaking down detritus into smaller particles by detritivores like earthworm. By the process of leaching, water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. Humification occurs at a very slow rate.
