Abstract
Investigations dealing with ecosystem energetics and carbon flow have traditionally assigned the remains of plants and animals, including faeces, to the detritus compartment of energy flow models (Engleman 1961; Macfadyen 1961; Odum 1962). While there are numerous estimates available for the decomposition rates of dead plant materials (Witkamp 1966; Thomas 1968; Reiners & Reiners 1970; Witkamp & Frank 1970; Hughes 1971; Van Cleve 1971), comparatively little is known about rates of decay of animal remains or their faeces (Nicholson, Bocock & Heal 1966; Mason & Odum 1969; McDiffett 1970). The decomposition of these materials has been largely attributed to the soil microflora; clearly edaphic factors affect the activities of these micro-organisms. Nevertheless, it is well established that a significant portion of the faeces of all mammals consists of intestinal bacteria, with herbivore faeces also containing a population of coprophilous fungi. The following study was undertaken to assess the relative importance of the coprophilous microflora in utilizing energy during the initial stages in the decomposition of rabbit faeces.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
