Which of the following most often controls the rate of nutrient cycling in ecosystems?
A) rate of decomposition of detritus
B) primary productivity
C) secondary productivity
D) both primary and secondary productivity

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of decomposition of detritus (dead plant and animal matter) is what most often controls the rate of nutrient cycling in ecosystems. This is because decomposers (such as bacteria and fungi) break down the detritus and release the nutrients back into the ecosystem for use by other organisms. Primary and secondary productivity can affect the amount of detritus present, but they do not directly control the rate of nutrient cycling.

Which of the Following Most Often Controls the Rate of Nutrient