sierracoomer
Decomposition
This photo was taken on January 12th, 2017 at the Carolina Beach State Park. It depicts a dead leaf that will soon drop to the ground to begin the decomposition process. Decomposition and decay of the leaves provides the nutrients essential for the growth of new organisms. Bacteria, fungi, and various invertebrates draw nourishment from the decaying plant material. According to the EPA, dead plant leaves and stems break down in the water to form small particles of organic material called "detritus." The nutrient filled material feeds many small aquatic insects, shellfish and small fish. These organisms are food for larger predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.
Decomposition
This photo was taken on January 12th, 2017 at the Carolina Beach State Park. It depicts a dead leaf that will soon drop to the ground to begin the decomposition process. Decomposition and decay of the leaves provides the nutrients essential for the growth of new organisms. Bacteria, fungi, and various invertebrates draw nourishment from the decaying plant material. According to the EPA, dead plant leaves and stems break down in the water to form small particles of organic material called "detritus." The nutrient filled material feeds many small aquatic insects, shellfish and small fish. These organisms are food for larger predatory fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals.