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): Organisms such as earthworms break detritus into smaller particles. This corresponds to III.
• Humification (B): Humification produces dark, microbially-resistant humus. This corresponds to IV.
• Catabolism (C): Bacteria and fungi break down complex organic matter into simpler inorganic substances via catabolism. This corresponds to I.
• Mineralisation (D): Microbial action releases nutrients from humus. This corresponds to II.