What is the role of microorganisms in transformation of organic matter andfactors affecting the diversity of flora and fauna kingdom?
Microorganisms play a crucial role in the transformation of organic matter, a process essential for maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems. They act as decomposers, breaking down complex organic matter into simpler forms that can be utilized by plants and other organisms. This process, known as decomposition, is a critical step in nutrient cycling, ensuring that essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are continuously recycled through the environment.
Microorganisms also contribute to the formation of soil humus, a rich organic matter that enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability. Additionally, they play a role in various other processes, including nitrogen fixation, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants, and bioremediation, which breaks down pollutants and contaminants in the environment.
Factors affecting the diversity of flora and fauna include:
Yes, during the decomposition process, microorganisms convert the carbon structures of fresh residues into transformed carbon products in the soil. There are many different types of organic molecules in soil. Some are simple molecules that have been synthesized directly from plants or other living organisms. Microorganisms may affect the solubilization of mineral phosphates in different ways: (i) by the formation of carbon dioxide and particularly of organic acids, (ii) by exerting a reducing effect on ferric phosphates which are converted to the more soluble ferrous compounds, (iii) by the production of hydrogen sulphide. Microbes are critical in the process of breaking down and transforming dead organic material into forms that can be reused by other organisms. This is why the microbial enzyme systems involved are viewed as key 'engines' that drives the Earth's biogeochemical cycles. Aerobic microorganisms break down organic matter and produce carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, water, heat and humus, the relatively stable organic end product. Although aerobic composting may produce intermediate compounds such as organic acids, aerobic micro-organisms decompose them further. However, micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes–even though they go unnoticed in your compost pile–are responsible for most of the organic material breakdown. They are chemical decomposers because they use chemicals in their bodies to break down organic matter. Hence, each factor responsible for the type of flora and fauna in an area, namely land, soil, temperature, humidity and precipitation, are variable across the length and breadth of the country. As a result, the flora and fauna found in India is diverse and rich. The character and extent of vegetation are mainly determined by temperature along with humidity in the air, precipitation and soil. Wood, barks, leaves, rubber, medicines, dyes, fuel, fodder results in depletion of flora. Hunting and poaching of wildlife, overexploitation, and environmental pollution are some factors which leads to the depletion of fauna. Micro-organisms, earthworms and insects help break down crop residues and manures by ingesting them and mixing them with the minerals in the soil, and in the process recycling energy and plant nutrients. Sticky substances on the skin of earthworms and those produced by fungi and bacteria help bind particles together. Organic matter decomposition serves three functions for the micro flora: (i) providing energy for growth, (ii) supplying carbon for the formation of cell material, and (iii) providing other nutrient, elements needed for cell growth. Soil microorganisms alter the waste constituents through organic matter decomposition, inorganic transformations, and nutrient assimilation. These processes are largely restricted to the upper meter of soil. The ability of soil microorganisms to decompose organic matter is a function of their population complexity.
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