This key facts covers Conditions Affecting Decay Rate within Decomposition for GCSE Biology. Topic 4: Decomposition It is section 2 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 2 of 12
Practice
15 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
📌 Conditions Affecting Decay Rate
Decomposition is faster when:
- Temperature — warmer = faster enzyme activity (optimum ~37°C, too hot = denature)
- Moisture — decomposers need water to survive and for chemical reactions
- Oxygen — most decomposers respire aerobically, need O₂
- pH — neutral pH (~7) is optimal for most decomposers