Given below are two statements: Statement I : Decomposition is a process in which the detritus is degraded into simpler substances by microbes. Statement II: Decomposition is faster if the detritus is rich in lignin and chitin In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below
Answer: (C) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect. Answer: (C) Statement I is TRUE: decomposition is the breakdown of detritus into simpler inorganic substances by microbes (bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus).
- A.Both Statement I and Statement II are correct
- B.Both Statement I and Statement II are incorrect
- C.Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect✓
- D.Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
Correct Answer
(C) Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect
Solution & Explanation
Answer: (C) Statement I is TRUE: decomposition is the breakdown of detritus into simpler inorganic substances by microbes (bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus). Statement II is FALSE: decomposition is SLOWER, not faster, when the detritus is rich in lignin and chitin; it is quicker when rich in nitrogen and water-soluble sugars. Since Statement I is correct and Statement II is incorrect, the answer is (c). NCERT Reference: Ch 12, p.208 — “slower if detritus is rich in lignin and chitin”