Question

When plants and animals die, their bodies are decomposed by organisms such as bacteria or fungi. Which statement is true regarding the decomposition process?
A.
Decomposition is a chemical change because the identity of the dead plant or animal does not change.
B.
Decomposition is a chemical change because the organism is broken down into new substances.
C.
Decomposition is a physical change because the organism is broken down into new substances.
D.
Decomposition is a physical change because the identity of the dead plant or animal does not change.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The correct statement regarding the decomposition process is:

**B. Decomposition is a chemical change because the organism is broken down into new substances.**

During decomposition, the complex organic materials in dead plants and animals are broken down by decomposers (such as bacteria and fungi) into simpler substances, resulting in a change in the chemical composition of the material.