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
The breakdown of dead organisms and waste materials, returning their materials to the environment.
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
The breakdown and digestion of dead organisms and biological waste by decomposers.
Revise: Ecosystem material cycling and the carbon cycleDecomposition therefore provides a route from carbon in dead material and waste back to atmospheric carbon dioxide. Decomposers also recycle mineral ions into the environment, where plants can absorb them again.
Distinguish the products of decomposition: carbon dioxide returns to the atmosphere, while mineral ions return to the soil.
Name the process on each carbon-cycle arrow: photosynthesis, feeding, respiration, decomposition or combustion.
Distinguish decomposition from respiration: decomposers break down dead material and waste; their respiration returns carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
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