Describe decomposition

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
• Reference card A: organism breaking down dead material. Reference card B: organism making food from simpler inputs.
• Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Fungus breaks down fallen leaves.
• Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Grass makes sugars using light.
• Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Rabbit eats grass.
• Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Fallen dead leaves.
• Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Bacteria break down dead matter.
• Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Algae make food with light.

Learn the idea

Decomposers break down dead material and wastes, returning matter to surroundings. Matter cycles, while energy eventually disperses as heat. A decomposer is not merely a predator eating live prey. Decomposers are also consumers broadly because they obtain organic food; the specific alternatives here distinguish their feeding role from a herbivorous animal.

Decomposer means organism breaking down dead material. Producer means organism making food from simpler inputs. Herbivore means animal obtaining food by eating producers. Detritus means dead organic material and wastes.

For decomposer, look for the clue “organism breaking down dead material.” For producer, look for “organism making food from simpler inputs.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

Create one new case showing decomposer and one showing producer. Expected: the first explicitly shows “organism breaking down dead material”; the second explicitly shows “organism making food from simpler inputs.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

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