# A gardener notices that fruit left on the ground in summer rots much faster than fruit stored in a cold cellar over winter. Explain why the rate of decomposition is faster in summer than in winter.

> OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422) — 4.2 Respiration · Explain · 5 marks

> Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead and decaying matter. The rate of decomposition is influenced by temperature, water availability and oxygen availability.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Decomposers / microorganisms carry out decomposition of the dead fruit
2. Higher temperature in summer compared to winter
3. Higher temperature increases the rate of decomposition
4. Decomposers are more active / reproduce more rapidly at higher temperatures
5. In the cold cellar / at lower temperatures, the activity of decomposers is reduced, so decomposition is slower

## Key terms

- [decomposition](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/decomposition)
- [rate of decomposition](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/rate-of-decomposition)

## Related

- [Revision notes for OCR A-Level Biology B — Advancing Biology (H422)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/a-gardener-notices-that-fruit-left-13be55d2) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.