Question:

In a particular condition, the decomposition rate is slower if detritus is rich in and ____.

Updated On: Aug 1, 2023
  • nitrogen and sugar
  • ligin and chitin
  • ligin and nitrogen 
  • chitin and sugar
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The correct answer is option (B): ligin and chitin
The breakdown of the organic matter into simpler inorganic matter is called a decomposition. The rate of decomposition depends on temperature, water, oxygen availability, and composition. For the detritus with high lignin and chitin content, the decomposition rate will be slower. On the other hand, the detritus with high nitrogen content will have comparatively faster decomposition. Lignin and chitin, reduce the surface area available for the enzymatic penetration for the decomposition. Thus, the answer is lignin and chitin
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Concepts Used:

Energy Flow through Ecosystems

The energy flow in the ecosystem is one of the major factors that support the survival of such a large number of organisms. For almost all lifeforms on earth, solar energy is the primary source of energy. It is entertaining to find that we receive less than 50 % of the sun’s effective radiation on the earth. When we say effective radiation, we mean the radiation, which can be utilized by plants to carry out photosynthesis.

The energy flow takes place throughout the food chain and food web. During the process of energy flow in the ecosystem, plants being the producers absorb sunlight with the help of the chloroplasts and a part of it is converted into chemical energy in the process of photosynthesis. This energy is stored in different organic products in the plants and passed on to the primary consumers in the food chain when the herbivores consume the plants as food. Then followed by the secondary consumers. Finally, when tertiary consumers consume the carnivores, energy will again be degraded. Thus, the energy flow is unidirectional in nature.