In boreal forests soils contain large amounts of carbon but the primary production is low compared to other types of forests. This can be explained by:
1. high rates of herbivory
2. slow weathering of rocks
3. periodic fires in the forests
4. restricted decomposition

The primary producers of the deep-sea hydrothermal vent ecosystem are
1. coral reefs
2. green algae
3. chemosynthetic bacteria
4.blue-green-algae

Assertion: If decomposition stopped, life would cease.
Reason: Detritus would pile up and the ingredients needed to synthesize organic matter would be exhausted.

1. Both assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
2. Both assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of the assertion.
3. Assertion is true but reason is false.
4. Both assertion and reason are false

The breakdown of detritus into smaller particles by earthworm is a process called:
1. Catabolism
2. Humification
3. Fragmentation
4. Mineralisation

Decomposers are   
1. Animalia and Monera
2. Protista and Animalia
3. Fungi and Plantae
4. Bacteria and Fungi