Decomposition and Its Processes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the processes and factors affecting decomposition, including statistical measures used in ecological studies.

Decomposition

The process by which organic matter is broken down by living organisms.

Litter Bags

A method used to measure decomposition rates by enclosing organic material.

R-squared (R²)

A statistical measure ranging from 0 to 1 that indicates the strength of a relationship between variables.

P-value

A statistical measure that indicates the significance of results; significant if P < 0.05.

Aerobic Respiration

A type of respiration that uses oxygen to completely break down glucose, producing about 36-38 ATP per glucose.

Anaerobic Respiration

A type of respiration that occurs without oxygen, leading to only partial breakdown of glucose, yielding about 2 ATP.

Litter Quality

Describes the overall quality of litter present, affecting its decay rate and nutrient availability.

Microbial Activity

Biological processes carried out by microbes that influence decomposition rates.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

An invasive pest that affects hemlock trees, leading to changes in decomposition and forest structure.

Postmortem Interval (PMI)

The time that has elapsed since a person has died, estimated using insect colonization patterns.