PLSC204 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Detritivore, Microfauna, Microbiota
4 Feb 2019
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Chapter 10a organisms and ecology of the soil. Some 80-90% of total metabolic activity in food web done by fungi and bacteria. Because of this, soil humus is synthesizes, carbon dioxide, heat energy and mineral nutrients are released into soil environment. All animals, most microorganisms and plant roots. Rely on preformed organic matter in order to get their carbon and energy. Bacteria by oxidizing inorganic molecules instead of organic molecules and getting energy that way. Get organic carbon by fixing co2 in organic form. One gram of soil contains about 8,000 species of bacteria. Less than 5% of that has been successfully cultured and studied. Burrowing activity of earthworms and their effect on distribution of nitrogen from plant litter. Earthworms drastically hansen cycling of nutrients in soil-plant system. Have teeth and large mouth for swallowing prey. Retractable spear like mouth, used to feel on liquid contents.
