Fallen leaves are removed from one area of woodland each autumn. Leaves are left to decompose in a second, similar area. No fertiliser is added to either area.
Why may plant growth eventually be lower in the area where leaves are removed?
Less respiration returns mineral ions to the air for uptake by leaves.
Less photosynthesis returns mineral ions to the soil for uptake by roots.
Less decomposition returns mineral ions to the soil for uptake by roots.
Less transpiration returns mineral ions to the air for uptake by leaves.
44 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Biology 9.3 Material cycles and decomposition, covering 9.3.1 Cycling of materials through ecosystems, 9.3.2 The carbon cycle, 9.3.3 The water cycle, 9.3.4 The nitrogen cycle, 9.3.5 Indicator species and pollution, 9.3.6 Decomposition in preservation and composting, and 9.3.7 Rate changes in decay of biological material. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.