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What is combustion?
A rapid chemical reaction that releases heat and light (like fire).
Why is decomposition important in ecosystems?
It returns nutrients to the soil for plants to use.
How does fire speed up the nutrient cycle?
It quickly turns dead material into ash, which adds nutrients to the soil.
What are two things released during a fire?
Heat and light.
What do plants need to grow?
Sunlight, water, and nutrients.
What would happen if decomposition did not occur?
Dead matter would build up and nutrients would not return to the soil.
How can fire help plants grow?
It clears dead material and returns nutrients to the soil.
Where do plants get their nutrients from?
From the soil, often from decomposed matter.
In the cycle: plant → animal → death → decomposition → soil → plant, what comes after decomposition?
Soil nutrients.
What is decomposition?
The process of breaking down dead plants and animals.
What happens to animals after they die in an ecosystem?
They become dead matter and are broken down by decomposers.
Why is destruction not always a bad thing in nature?
Because it helps recycle nutrients and supports new life.
What organisms cause decomposition?
Bacteria and fungi.
What is nutrient cycling?
The movement of nutrients through living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.
How are fire and decomposition similar?
Both break down dead material and return nutrients to the soil.