Arrange the following steps which are involved in process of decomposition in correct sequence.
A. Leaching
B. Fragmentation
C. Humification
D. Catabolism
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: Arrange the above decomposition processes in their correct sequence.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → B, A, D, C
(B) Fragmentation — comes first. Detritivores such as earthworms break the detritus into smaller pieces. This gives the microbes more surface to work on.
(A) Leaching — comes second. Water carries the soluble inorganic nutrients down into the soil, where they get locked up as unavailable salts.
(D) Catabolism — comes third. Enzymes of bacteria and fungi break the detritus down into simpler inorganic substances.
(C) Humification — comes last of the four. It forms humus, a dark, jelly-like substance that resists microbial action and decays very slowly. Mineralisation, the release of inorganic nutrients from humus, follows it.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2026 on 26-05-2026 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 08-06-2023 (Slot 3).
NCERT Extract:
Decomposition – …
