Question

The different steps involved in the process of decomposition of detritus are
A. Fragmentation
B. Leaching and catabolism
C. Humification and mineralization
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Decomposition is one of the important processes in the ecosystem. Decomposition is the breakdown of the complex organic substance into the simple substance with the help of microorganisms.

Complete answer: The process of decomposition is the process where complex organic matter is broken down into the inorganic raw materials which are done by the help of the decomposers. The different steps involved in the process of the detritus decomposition are as follows:
1. Fragmentation: it is the process where the complex matter is fragmented by the earthworms in small pieces.
2. The second is Leaching where the water-soluble nutrients penetrate the soil which gets locked into the layers of soil as salts are unavailable.
3. In catabolism, the detritus is degraded by the bacteria and fungi through various enzymes.
4. Humification is the process that results in the formation of the dark-colored colloidal substance known as humus which is the reservoir of nutrients.
5. Mineralization is the process where the hummus is degraded by the microbes and inorganic nutrients are released into the soil.

Hence, the correct option is D.

Note: Detritus is the raw material that is the remains of the dead animals and plants, which are processed by the microorganism which is called the saprophytes.
On the breakdown of the materials, they produce nutrients.