Decomposition

Question

Decomposition
A)is controlled by temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability.
B)rate is similar in tropical rain forests and temperate forests.
C)is slow in ecosystems that are cold and wet, such as peatlands.
D)is rapid in aquatic systems, such as deep lakes.
E)A and C

Accepted Answer

Decomposition is influenced by temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability, which controls the rate of decomposition. In cold and wet ecosystems, such as peatlands, decomposition is slow. Therefore, option C is correct. Tropical rain forests and temperate forests have different conditions, yet their decomposition rates are similar; hence, option B is not correct. Decomposition in aquatic systems, such as deep lakes, is rapid due to high temperatures, which accelerates microbial activity. Option D is, therefore, incorrect. Lastly, options A and C are correct because decomposition is controlled by temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability, and in cold and wet ecosystems, decomposition is slow.