OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What does the acronym DOM stand for?

Dynamic Organic Matter
Decomposed Organic Matter
Dead Organic Matter
Detrimentally Observed Matter

The correct answer is: Dead Organic Matter

The acronym DOM stands for Dead Organic Matter, which refers to the remains of dead plants, animals, and other organic materials present in the environment. This is a crucial component in ecosystems as it plays a significant role in nutrient cycling. Decomposers such as fungi and bacteria break down dead organic matter, which releases nutrients back into the soil, making them available for uptake by living plants. This process is vital for maintaining soil fertility and overall ecosystem health. While some of the other options may contain elements of truth regarding organic matter, they do not accurately capture the established term used commonly in ecological studies. For example, dynamic organic matter and decomposed organic matter describe processes or states but are not the standard definition. Detrimentally observed matter does not relate to organic matter concepts within the context of ecology. Understanding DOM is essential for grasping the dynamics of nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning.