7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem

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Question 3
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Leaf litter decomposes on a forest floor, recycling vital nutrients back into the ecosystem.

A cross-section diagram of a forest floor. At the top is a layer of fallen leaves (leaf litter). Beneath the leaf litter is a dark layer of rich soil (humus) with roots of a living deciduous tree spreading through it. Zoom circles highlight microscopic bacteria and fungal hyphae growing on and within the decaying leaf tissue.

Describe:

  • how decomposers (such as bacteria and fungi) break down the fallen leaf litter to recycle carbon and mineral ions,
  • how these recycled components are absorbed and used again by living forest trees.
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7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem Questions

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