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runner
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What happens to the energy that binds the molecules together? Where does it go; what does it become?
Organic matter is broken down by fungi and bacteria, which feed on the decaying material. Soil is the remains of dead plants and animals. If the body is buried, while bacteria are breaking down the tissue, salts/minerals may react with the consituents, and a fossil will form. Petroleum products consist of decayed animal and plant material.runner said:What happens to the energy that binds the molecules together? Where does it go; what does it become?
astronuc already explained it. Are you asking for more detailed information on decay?runner said:What happens to the forces that had previously held the organism's various molecules and components together?
Evo said:astronuc already explained it. Are you asking for more detailed information on decay?
LOL, I stand corrected.nismaratwork said:Never say "decay" in a physics forum, when you mean...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decomposition
Evo said:LOL, I stand corrected.
Decomposition is perhaps a better term, or even reconsititution. Dead bodies become food for other organisms, e.g., as carnivores or ominvores feed on the dead bodies of other animals. Chemical processes breakdown cellulose/surgars, fat and protein and reform those components in the body of whatever organism partakes of that tissue. Digestion is a series of chemical processes.nismaratwork said:Never say "decay" in a physics forum, when you mean...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decomposition
In short, what happens to the chemical energy of your body?... it becomes the fuel for bacteria, maggots, and so forth. There are purely chemical effects apart from life, but generally speaking you are eaten by bugs both large and small, and that energy is then excreted as urine, feces, and heat.
There is no sudden dissipation of forces, as in radioactive decay or an explosion... your cells starve, some undergo apoptosis, enzymes digest you, and the rest is food as mentioned above. Not romantic, but that's the food chain for you.
Yes - along the way, some energy is dissipated to the environment.runner said:The energy that's bound in the cells of organisms that are consumed by other organisms (such as bacteria, fungi, larger animals, etc.) becomes available to the consumers for their use. Some however, may be lost to the environment in the form of heat (anything else?). Is this close?
After an organism dies, its body begins to decompose. This is a natural process where bacteria and fungi break down the organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. The rate of decomposition depends on various factors such as temperature, moisture, and the presence of scavengers.
The time it takes for an organism to decompose varies depending on the type of organism, environmental conditions, and the presence of scavengers. In ideal conditions, a small animal can decompose in a matter of weeks, while larger animals can take months or even years to fully decompose.
After death, the energy stored in an organism's body is gradually released through the process of decomposition. This energy is used by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi to break down the organic matter. Some of the energy may also be transferred to scavengers who feed on the remains of the organism.
No, an organism cannot come back to life after death. Death is a permanent state where all bodily functions have ceased. While some organisms may enter a state of suspended animation or hibernation, they are not truly dead and can still be revived. Once an organism has died, it cannot be brought back to life.
The death of an organism can have various effects on its ecosystem. The decomposition of the body releases nutrients back into the soil, which can benefit other organisms. The absence of the organism can also create opportunities for other organisms to fill its ecological niche. In some cases, the death of a keystone species can have a significant impact on the entire ecosystem.