materials that decay or decompose come from soft tissue.
materials that decay or decompose come from soft tissue.
where do materials that decay or decompose come from?
soft tissue
decomposition is the process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler organic matter. the process is a part of the nutrient cycle and is essential for recycling the finite matter that occupies physical space in the biosphere. bodies of living organisms begin to decompose shortly after death. animals, such as worms, also help decompose the organic materials. organisms that do this are known as decomposers. although no two organisms decompose in the same way, they all undergo the same sequential stages of decomposition. the science which studies decomposition is generally referred to as "taphonomy" from the greek word "taphos", meaning tomb.
decomposition
the quality and quantity of the material available to decomposers is another major factor that influences the rate of decomposition. substances like sugars and amino acids decompose readily and are considered labile. cellulose and hemicellulose, which are broken down more slowly, are "moderately labile". compounds which are more resistant to decay, like lignin or cutin, are considered recalcitrant. litter with a higher proportion of labile compounds decomposes much more rapidly than does litter with a higher proportion of recalcitrant material. consequently, dead animals decompose more rapidly than dead leaves, which themselves decompose more rapidly than fallen branches. as organic material in the soil ages, its quality decreases. the more labile compounds decompose quickly, leaving an increasing proportion of recalcitrant material. microbial cell walls also contain recalcitrant materials like chitin, and these also accumulate as the microbes die, further reducing the quality of older soil organic matter.
decomposition