Question

Match List I with List II :

List I              List II
A. Decomposition    I. Accumulation of dark coloured amorphous colloidal substance
B. Detritus         II. Release of inorganic nutrients by the activity of microbes in soil
C. Mineralisation   III. Breaking down of complex organic matter into inorganic substances
D. Humification     IV. Dead remains of plants and animals including fecal matter

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

• A. A-III, B-II, C-I, D-IV
• B. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
• C. A-IV, B-III, C-I, D-II
• D. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

Hint:

Remember the order: Fragmentation $\rightarrow$ Leaching $\rightarrow$ Catabolism $\rightarrow$ Humification $\rightarrow$ Mineralisation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Decomposition is a complex process involving the breakdown of organic matter into simpler inorganic components. The correct matches are:
• Decomposition (A): The process of breaking down complex organic matter into inorganic substances like $CO_{2}$, water, and nutrients (III).
• Detritus (B): The raw material for decomposition, consisting of dead remains of plants and animals (IV).
• Mineralisation (C): The final step where inorganic nutrients are released into the soil by microbial activity (II).
• Humification (D): The process that leads to the accumulation of humus, a dark-coloured amorphous substance (I).