7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem

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Question 5
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A forest ecosystem relies on the recycling of nutrients from fallen autumn leaves.

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a forest floor.

Diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a forest floor with three layers labeled from top to bottom: 'Fallen leaf litter layer', which contains newly dropped leaves and twigs; 'Decomposing humus layer', containing dark, partially broken-down organic material; and 'Soil layer', containing roots from trees and living plants extending through the ground.

Describe:

  • how decomposers (such as fungi and bacteria) in the humus and soil layers break down the dead leaf material to recycle chemical nutrients.
  • how these recycled chemical substances are subsequently absorbed and used by the surrounding living forest plants.
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7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem Questions

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