Question

1. So far in this course, we have seen decomposers that are from the fungi kingdom and decomposers from the animal kingdom (termites, pill bugs). Despite sharing the same mode of nutrition, these organisms are extremely different.

1. What is the key difference in the energy tradeoff in how fungi and animals decompose material? How does the body plan of each support this? (2 points)

2. If both types of organisms are in the same environment competing (i.e. on a log), which do you think would be more successful? Provide an explanation supporting your choice. (2 points)

Answer 1

Ans a) There is a lot of difference on how a fungi and an animal undergo the process of decomposition. The fungi are mostly saprophytes which mean they decompose the dead organic matter and hence it obtains nutrition from dead and decaying plant and animal matter. They breakdown the organic matter into carbon dioxide and minerals and use it for their energy. They decompose the dead organic matter by releasing enzymes which break down the matter and hence as a result it absorbs the nutrients resulting from the breakdown. The animals are able to decompose organic matter with help of their digestive system. After the ingestion of the food, it is mechanically digested in the mouth and moves along the esophagus into the stomach and hence in the stomach, the presence of acid lead to further breakdown and cycling of the nutrients into different parts of the body. The presence of alimentary canal and well structured digestive system helps in decomposition and break down of complex organic matter in animals. Also, once the animal die, it decomposes by breaking into small pieces and decomposition takes place in presence of fungi and bacteria.

Ans b) In case both of them are present, it is the fungi which will be able to undergo the process of decomposition better. This is because the fungi releases enzyme which is able to easily decompose and break down the complex dead organic matter. The organic matter is already dead and decomposing it becomes easier. When it comes to animals, it takes time for them to decompose as it needs to be ingested, digested and when the animal die it is further broken down into smaller pieces before the decomposition process starts.