Soil fertility would decline if fungi were removed from an ecosystem as:
The breakdown of dead matter would slow, reducing mineral availability
Fungi, along with bacteria, are decomposers. They secrete enzymes that break down dead plants, animals and wastes into simpler substances, and in doing so they return minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to the soil.
If fungi were removed, dead matter would decompose much more slowly and would pile up, and the minerals locked in it would not be released. With fewer minerals available in the soil, its fertility would decline.
Predators feed on other animals, not on fungi, so their food supply is not the reason for soil fertility. The link between fungi and soil fertility here is through decomposition, not through fungi feeding living plants by absorption. Photosynthesis needs light, carbon dioxide, water and chlorophyll, and it does not depend on fungi.
Hence, The breakdown of dead matter would slow, reducing mineral availability.
Similar Questions
Which sequence correctly matches each bacterium to its primary role in the nitrogen cycle: nitrogen fixation, nitrification and denitrification?
Which process is carried out by Azotobacter bacteria in the soil as part of the nitrogen cycle?
How can a persistent warmer atmosphere alter precipitation patterns within the water cycle?
A city is planned to replace a pond, grassland, and trees with a park featuring playground equipment, shrubs, and paved paths. Which of the following consequences best reflects the impact on the local ecosystem?
A city plans to build a landfill which is near a river and farmland to manage growing waste. Which strategy best protects the ecosystem while supporting urban development?
Which of the following pairs of articles does NOT represent nonbiodegradable substances?
How do plants help maintain the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Which statement accurately compares the carbon content of the oceans to that of the atmosphere?
Which sequence describes effects of deforestation (biosphere) leading to consequent changes in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere?
Which process in the oxygen cycle directly adds oxygen to the atmosphere?
Important Questions from Ecology & Environment
- Who is the Chairperson of the National Board for Wild Life under the Wildlife Life
Protection) Act, 1972? - The organisms that prefer high salt concentration habitats refer to as
- Chemosynthesis involves CO$_2$ fixation using energy derived from
- Which of the following are the necessary conditions for the growth of coral reefs ?
1. Photic conditions
2. Clean and sediment free water
3. Sea salinity of 6%
4. Tropical sea water with temperature of $20^\circ C$ to $21^\circ C$
Select the correct answer using the code given below : - NPP (Net Primary Productivity) is highest for
