Question

What are the two possible fates of plant material not eaten by animals?

Short answer

One possible fate of plant material not eaten by animals is decomposition, where decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down the dead plant material, recycling nutrients in the ecosystem. Another fate is the accumulation and formation of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, over millions of years as layers of dead plant material become buried, compressed, and transformed under heat and pressure.

Step-by-step solution

Fate 1: Decomposition

When plant material is not consumed by animals, one possible fate is decomposition. In this process, dead plant material is broken down by decomposers, which are microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. These decomposers release enzymes that help break down the organic matter in the plants, releasing nutrients that can be reused by other organisms in the ecosystem. Decomposition plays a vital role in recycling nutrients and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Fate 2: Accumulation and Formation of Fossil Fuels

Another potential fate of plant material that is not consumed by animals is the accumulation and formation of fossil fuels over millions of years. This process begins with the accumulation of dead plant material in layers. Over time, these layers become buried under layers of sediment and other organic material. As the layers are compressed and exposed to heat and pressure, they transform into different types of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These fossil fuels are a significant source of energy for human civilization and also contribute to climate change when burned, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.