Given below are two statements :
Statement I : Decomposition is a process in which the detritus is degraded into simpler substances by microbes.
Statement II : Decomposition is faster if the detritus is rich in lignin and chitin
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- A
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
- B
Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect.
- C
Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
- D
Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct.
Statement I is the standard textbook definition of decomposition: detritus (dead plant and animal matter) is broken down by decomposers, mainly bacteria and fungi, into simpler inorganic substances.
Statement II is incorrect. Lignin and chitin are highly resistant to microbial enzymes and slow down the decomposition process. Detritus rich in water-soluble nutrients like sugars accelerates decomposition; detritus rich in lignin and chitin retards it.
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