Question

Match List I with List II:

LIST I	LIST II
A. Fragmentation	I. Degradation of detritus into simple inorganic substances by bacteria and fungi
B. Humification	II. Release of nutrients from humus by microbial action
C. Catabolism	III. Breakdown of detritus by earthworms into smaller particles
D. Mineralisation	IV. Dark coloured substances, highly resistant to microbial action

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

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

Hint:

Decomposition involves fragmentation, humification, catabolism, and mineralisation, each contributing to nutrient cycling.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

• Fragmentation (A): This refers to the breakdown of detritus into smaller particles by organisms like earthworms. Hence, it corresponds to III.
• Humification (B): The process of humification results in dark-colored substances called humus, which are highly resistant to microbial action, corresponding to IV.
• Catabolism (C): Catabolism involves the breakdown of complex organic matter into simpler inorganic substances by bacteria and fungi, corresponding to I.
• Mineralisation (D): The release of nutrients from humus is achieved by microbial action, which corresponds to II.