Earth Science c/o decay

Question

when corn is harvested, corn stalks are left in the field.  They will decay.  Would thte decaying corn stalks be considered part of the biotic or abiotic environment?  Why or why not?

Answer 1

Hi L,

 

Biotic refers to living component of environment and abiotic to non-living component. Stalk itself is not a living part of the corn plant and it cannot grow. However, during decay it is providing food to bacteria and/or other microbes to grow on it. Those are living components, they grow and therefore, we see decaying corn stalks. Those microbes etc are biotic components.

 

I hope this helps and you can elaborate your answer on these key facts.