Q.1
How do microorganisms cause decay?
  • They release enzymes which break down the dead material
  • They release hormones that break down the dead material
  • They engulf the dead material piece by piece
  • They use their vacuoles as miniature mouths
Q.2
Which of the following methods of packaging does not break down naturally?
  • A plastic bag
  • A large envelope made from card
  • Tissue paper used to protect delicate items in a box
  • A cotton bag
Q.3
Many local authorities run garden waste composting schemes. Which of the following is an advantage of this?
  • Large branches of trees in the waste need to be cut into much smaller pieces
  • It reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill sites
  • It recycles nutrients that would otherwise be lost
  • The compost can be sold cheaply to local gardeners
Q.4
Which word correctly describes something that can be broken down by the microorganisms that cause decay?
  • Biodecayable
  • Biodegradeable
  • Biodestroyable
  • Biodestructable
Q.5
Why do living things take things from their environment?
  • They are parasites
  • For growth and other life processes
  • They are saprophyes
  • To give them more room for living
Q.6
How does nature recycle dead and waste materials?
  • Decay
  • Dissolving
  • Melting
  • Freezing
Q.7
Gardeners will 'turn' their compost regularly. This involves using a garden fork to bring the compost from the bottom of the pile to the top. Which of the following is the scientific reason for doing this?
  • They were taught to do it by their parents
  • So that the worms in the compost can get more light
  • To get more air into the compost
  • Organic materials decay better in the dark
Q.8
Which of the following makes things decay?
  • Woodlice
  • Worms
  • Bacteria and fungi
  • Viruses
Q.9
Some students carried out an experiment to investigate the rate of decay of a potato. Below are just four of the experiments they tried. In which one would the potato decay fastest?
  • Large pieces in a dry sealed container in warm conditions
  • Small pieces in an open container in warm conditions and sprayed with water each day
  • Large pieces in a dry sealed container in a refrigerator
  • Small pieces in a dry sealed container in a refrigerator
Q.10
In what form can these materials be returned to the environment?
  • As droppings
  • As carbon dioxide
  • As dead bodies
  • All of the above
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