Identify the correct statements : Choose the correct answer from the options given below :
- B, C, D only
- C, D, E only
- D, E, A only
- A, B, C only
Answer
(4) A, B, C only
Solution
A: Correct – detritivores (e.g. earthworm) break down detritus into smaller particles (fragmentation).
B: Correct – humus is further degraded by some microbes, releasing inorganic nutrients (mineralisation).
C: Correct – water-soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts (leaching).
D: Incorrect – the detritus food chain begins with dead organic matter, not with living organisms.
E: Incorrect – breaking detritus into smaller particles is fragmentation; catabolism is the enzymatic degradation of detritus into simpler inorganic substances.
Correct statements: A, B and C.
Answer: (4)