Saprophytes are decomposers since they feed on the dead and decaying
matter. Suitable conditions are required for the optimum growth of saprophytes. If
they have access to sufficient water, they grow well. Saprophytes do not thrive under
alkaline conditions. They grow well in neutral or slightly acidic soil. There must
usually be oxygen present as the majority of saprophytes cannot grow under
anaerobic conditions.
Answer the following questions:
(i) Saprophytes are also called as decomposers. How are they important for the
ecosystem?
(ii) What would happen if all the decomposers were eliminated from the earth?
(iii) Differentiate between parasite and saprophytes (one point )
(iv) What are the conditions necessary for the growth of saprophytes?
(v) Which of the following is a saprophytes
(a) Algae (b) Rhizopus (c) Amoeba (d) Earthworm
Answers
Explanation:
(i) The reason saprophytes are so beneficial to the environment is that they are the primary recyclers of nutrients. They break down organic matter so that the nitrogen, carbon and minerals it contains can be put back into a form that other living organisms can take up and use.
(ii) If all the decomposers are eliminated it will cause piling up of excretions, dead bodies of various plants and animals, and litter. This will lead to a shortage of free space as there will be numerous dead and decaying matter on the Earth. Therefore, the decomposers are very important for sustaining life on the planet.
(iii) 1)The main difference that exists between the parasite and saprobe is that the saprobe depends on dead organisms for their nutrition but the parasites depend on a host that are living organisms for their nutrition. 2)Saprobes are also known as saprophytes and they decompose the dead organisms.
(iv) Saprophytes are the living organisms that live and feed on dead and decaying organisms. They are considered extremely important in soil biology. They break down the complex organic matter into simpler substances that are taken up by the plants for various metabolic activities. Fungi and a few bacteria are saprophytes