Question

Which of the following processes will be most adversely affected if microorganisms are removed from the forest ecosystem?
A. Solar energy fixation and nutrient cycling
B. Decomposition of organic matter and photosynthesis
C. Nitrogen fixation and decomposition of organic matter
D. Carbon assimilation and nitrogen fixation

Answer 1

A forest ecosystem is a functional unit or system that includes soil, trees, insects, animals, birds, and humans as interdependent components. Because a forest is a huge and complex ecosystem, it has a higher diversity of species.
A forest ecosystem, like any other ecosystem, is made up of both abiotic and biotic elements. Inorganic ingredients such as air, water, and soil are referred to as abiotic components. Producers, consumers, and decomposers make up the biotic components.

Complete answer:
Option A: The most basic requirement for every ecosystem to function and live is a consistent supply of sun energy. Plants are both producers and consumers in a forest setting.
So, option A is not correct.
Option B: Decomposition demands a large amount of oxygen. During the decomposition process, decomposers convert detritus' complex organic compounds into inorganic compounds such as carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients.
So, option B is not correct.
Option C: The process of fixing atmospheric nitrogen with the help of microorganisms is known as nitrogen fixation. The nitrogen from the atmosphere is made accessible to the plant for utilisation. Decomposition is the breakdown of organic substance into its simplest form. Microorganisms carry out this process. As a result, removing microorganisms from the forest system will have a negative impact on nitrogen fixation and organic matter breakdown.
So, option C is correct
Option D: If bacteria are removed from a forest environment, nitrogen fixing and organic matter decomposition will be severely hampered. In biological nitrogen fixation, a variety of nitrogen-fixing bacteria are involved.
So, option D is incorrect.

Hence, Option C is the correct answer.

Note:
The components of a forest ecosystem are as follows:
Productivity - The steady input of solar energy is the most basic requirement for every ecosystem to function and survive. In a forest environment, plants are also the producers.
In a forest ecosystem, there are two categories of productivity: main and secondary.
Decomposition - Decomposition is a process that necessitates a lot of oxygen. Decomposers transform detritus' complex organic molecules into inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients during the decomposition process.
Energy flow- Energy only goes in one way. Plants collect solar energy first, then pass food to decomposers. A food chain is formed when organisms from different trophic levels are linked by a food or energy relationship.
Nutrient cycling- The storage and transit of nutrient elements through the ecosystem is referred to as nutrient cycling. Nutrient cycling can be classified into two types: gaseous and sedimentary.