Read the below given statements with respect to three important steps of decomposition: fragmentation, leaching and catabolism. Select the correct option. (i) Detritivores e.g., earthworm) breakdown detritus into smaller particles. (ii) Water soluble inorganic nutrients go down into soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. (iii) Decomposers (e.g., bacteria and fungi) secrete digestive enzymes and degra

Step-by-step solution

The process of decomposition can be categorised as fragmentation of detritus, leaching and catabolism. Fragmentation of detritus is the process that causes breakdown of detritus into smaller particles. It is primarily due to the action of detritus feeding invertebrates (detritivores, e.g., termites, earthworms, etc.). The detritus gets pulverised when passing through the digestive tracts of animals. Due to fragmentation, the surface area of detritus particles is greatly increased. The extracellular enzymes released