AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy · 8464
Specification 4.7.2.2 · Paper 2
Revise: Cycling of Materials in EcosystemsDecomposers, especially bacteria and fungi, break down this material. This process is called decomposition or decay.
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GCSE Combined Science · key term
An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead organisms and waste materials.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.7.2.2 · Paper 2
Revise: Cycling of Materials in EcosystemsDecomposers, especially bacteria and fungi, break down this material. This process is called decomposition or decay.
Paper 1, Paper 2
An organism that breaks down and digests dead biological material and waste, recycling materials into the environment. Bacteria and fungi are important decomposers.
Revise: Ecosystem material cycling and the carbon cycleWhen organisms produce waste or die, decomposers break down their biological material, returning materials to the environment. These transfers connect the living and non-living parts of the ecosystem.
An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, that breaks down dead organisms and waste, returning nutrients to the environment.
Plants respire as well as photosynthesise. Respiration by plants, animals and decomposers releases carbon dioxide.
Distinguish decomposition from respiration: decomposers break down dead material and waste; their respiration returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
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