Decay Worksheet This Worksheet Accompanies Decay Summary

Name:……………………………………………………. Date: ……………………

Decay Worksheet
This worksheet accompanies Decay Summary.

1. In all ecosystems, dead organisms and waste matter are broken down by micro-organisms. This is called decay. Answer the following questions about this process.

a) What is another name for decay?

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b) Name two micro-organisms responsible for decay.

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c) State and explain one benefit of decay for the plants in the surrounding ecosystem.

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d) Give one reason why micro-organisms thrive and break down materials more quickly in moister conditions.

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e) State a factor in addition to moisture that speeds up decay.

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2. Not all materials can be broken down by micro-organisms. Answer the following questions about the decay of different materials.

a) Which of these materials can be broken down by micro-organisms? Circle the answers.

b) Which of the materials in part a) could be used to make compost?

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3. There are several vocabulary terms associated with decay. Answer the following questions about these terms.

a) Define detritus.

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b) Explain how detritivores increase the rate of decay of decomposing matter.

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c) How does a saprophyte differ from a detritivore?

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4. When materials decay, it can be both helpful and a hindrance to humans. Answer the following questions about humans’ relationship with decay.

a) Explain one way that humans use micro-organisms to break down matter in a helpful way.

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b) Humans use food preservation methods to slow the rate of decay by micro-organisms. Explain how freezing food reduces the rate of decay.

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c) How does the preservation method of canning food slow decay?

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