Introduction / Context:
Vermicomposting is an environmentally friendly method of managing organic waste by turning it into nutrient rich compost. It is widely promoted in agriculture, gardening, and municipal solid waste management. This question checks whether you know which organisms play the central role in vermicomposting. Understanding this process is important for environmental science and sustainable agriculture topics in exams.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The process mentioned is vermicomposting, which converts organic waste into manure.
- The options are fungus, worms, bacteria, and birds.
- We assume basic awareness of composting and soil organisms.
Concept / Approach:
The term vermi comes from the Latin word for worm. Vermicomposting specifically uses earthworms to break down organic matter such as kitchen waste, farm residues, and leaf litter. While bacteria and fungi also participate in decomposition, the unique feature of vermicomposting is the use of selected earthworm species like Eisenia foetida and Eudrilus eugeniae. Birds do not play a role in this process. The approach is therefore to connect the prefix vermi with worms and identify them as the main agents of vermicomposting.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Observe the word vermicomposting and note the prefix vermi, which is associated with worms.
Step 2: Recall that vermicomposting units typically contain earthworms in beds of organic waste and soil.
Step 3: Understand that earthworms feed on organic matter, fragment it, and excrete castings that form high quality compost.
Step 4: Recognize that fungi and bacteria also contribute to decomposition but the specific technology of vermicomposting highlights the active involvement of worms.
Step 5: Realize that birds are not used for controlled compost production and are mainly consumers in the ecosystem.
Step 6: Conclude that worms are the central organisms responsible for vermicomposting.
Verification / Alternative check:
Practical manuals and school projects on vermicomposting always mention earthworms as the key decomposers. Demonstrations usually show red or tiger worms being added to waste bins, and the resulting product is called vermicompost. Although microorganisms are essential in any composting process, the word vermicomposting itself and the special attention to earthworm activity confirm that worms are the organisms specifically highlighted in this technique. This confirms the choice beyond doubt.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Fungus: Fungi are important decomposers but the term vermicomposting does not refer to fungal composting; it specifically emphasizes worms.
Bacteria: Bacteria help break down organic matter in all composting methods, yet the name vermicomposting and typical descriptions focus on earthworms as the main agents.
Birds: Birds play no organized role in compost production and are not used in vermicomposting systems, so this option is irrelevant.
Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to overthink the role of microorganisms and select bacteria or fungi when a process name clearly points to another organism. To avoid this, remember that different composting methods highlight different agents: vermicomposting for worms, microbial composting for bacteria and fungi, and so on. Paying attention to prefixes and roots of scientific terms can provide strong clues in such multiple choice questions.
Final Answer:
Vermicomposting is primarily carried out with the help of
Worms, especially earthworms.
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