Understanding Decay
This worksheet explores the process of decay, including its chemical and biological aspects relevant to Grade 9 science.
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Standards
Understanding Decay
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Show all your work for calculations.
1. Which of the following is NOT a primary factor influencing the rate of decay?
Temperature
Moisture
Light intensity
Presence of oxygen
2. Which type of organism is primarily responsible for decomposition in most ecosystems?
Producers
Decomposers
Primary Consumers
Scavengers
3. The process of decay returns essential to the soil, making them available for new plant growth.
4. Anaerobic decay occurs in the absence of .
5. Freezing food completely stops the process of decay.
True
False
6. Composting is an example of controlled decay.
True
False
7. Briefly explain the role of bacteria and fungi in the decay process.
8. Describe one way humans can slow down the decay of food and explain the scientific principle behind it.
Match each term on the left with its definition on the right.
9. Aerobic decay
a. Breakdown of organic matter without oxygen
10. Anaerobic decay
b. Organisms that break down dead organic matter
11. Decomposers
c. Breakdown of organic matter in the presence of oxygen
12. Observe the illustration below. Although it shows platelet clotting, the general concept of a multi-step process can be applied to understanding decay. In your own words, describe how a complex process like decay might involve several stages or different types of organisms, similar to the illustration's depiction of multiple components working together.
