An influx of organic waste containing high concentrations of soluble carbohydrates was introduced into an aquatic research mesocosm on Day 0.
The graph below shows the changes in the relative concentrations of soluble carbohydrates, primary decomposer fungi, decomposer bacteria, and dissolved oxygen over a 30-day period.
Which group of decomposers had the most rapid increase in population size shortly after the organic waste was introduced?
- Primary decomposer fungi
- Decomposer bacteria
Describe two ways the graph shows a relationship between the primary decomposer fungi population and the decomposer bacteria population.
What biological process carried out by the decomposer bacteria causes the concentration of dissolved oxygen to decrease?
Explain why the concentration of dissolved oxygen begins to increase again from Day 12 to Day 30 as the decomposer bacteria population declines.