B1.6.1 Decay processes

Question 1

Why do living things remove materials from the environment?

Answer 1

For growth

Question 2

How are materials returned to the environment?

Answer 2

Either in waste materials

When living things die and decay.

Question 3

What organisms are responsible for decay?

Answer 3

Microorganisms

Question 4

What condition make microorganisms more active so that they digest materials faster?
(3 marks)

Answer 4

warm, moist, aerobic conditions.

Question 5

Why is the decay process essential for plants?

Answer 5

It releases substances (such as nitrates) into the soil that plants need to grow.