Question

Decomposition is largely an/a
A. Carbon - requiring process
B. Oxygen - requiring process
C. Nitrogen - requiring process
D. Sulphur - requiring process

Answer 1

Hint: The disintegration of tissues by the body's own internal chemicals and enzymes, known as autolysis, and the breakdown of tissues by bacteria, known as putrefaction, begin at the time of death. These activities result in the production of substances like cadaverine and putrescine, which are the main cause of the distinctively rotten smell of decomposing animal flesh.


Complete step by step solution:
Decomposition, often known as rot, is the breakdown of dead organic matter into more basic organic or inorganic components such carbon dioxide, water, simple sugars, and mineral salts. The procedure, which is a component of the nutrient cycle, is crucial for recycling the limited amount of matter that takes up real estate in the biosphere. After a live thing dies, its body starts to decompose. Animals like worms also contribute to the breakdown of the organic compounds. Decomposers are organisms that carry out such processes. Despite the fact that no two creatures degrade in exactly the same way, they all go through the same sequential stages.

Although larger scavengers also play a significant part in decomposition if the carcass is exposed to insects, mites, and other animals, bacteria and fungi are the main decomposers. Carrion beetles, mites, flesh flies, and blow flies like the green bottle flies found in the summer are some of the most significant arthropods engaged in the process. The most significant non-insect creatures that commonly participate in the process in North America are mammal and bird scavengers such as coyotes, dogs, wolves, foxes, rats, crows, and vultures. Additionally, some of these scavengers take and disperse bones, which they later consume. Break-down agents found in aquatic and marine settings include bacteria, fish, crustaceans, fly larvae, and other carrion scavengers.

The breakdown of dead stuff is referred to as decomposition or decay. The quantity of microorganisms that are breaking down, the temperature, and the availability of water and oxygen all affect how quickly this occurs.

Therefore option B is the correct answer i.e., oxygen - requiring process

Note:
Decomposition occurs aerobically when oxygen is present. This happens frequently in the natural world. The body is a food source for living things that need oxygen to survive. Without oxygen, anaerobic decomposition proceeds. This might be a location where the body is buried in organic material and is therefore deprived of oxygen. Due to the presence of sulfur-containing organic debris and hydrogen sulphide, putrefaction has a foul smell.