Given below are two statements: In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
- Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
- Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
- Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Answer
(3) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
Solution
Statement I: Correct – as per NCERT, decomposers break down complex organic matter (detritus) into inorganic substances such as CO2, water and nutrients.
Statement II: Incorrect – decomposition is slower if detritus is rich in lignin and chitin; it is quicker when detritus is rich in nitrogen and water-soluble substances like sugars.
Answer: (3)