<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Decomposition is the process by which organic substances are broken down into simpler matter . The process is a part of nutrient cycle and is essential for recycling the finite matter that occupies physical space in the biosphere . Bodies of living organisms begin to decompose shortly after death . Animals, such as worms, also help decompose the organic materials . Organisms that do this are known as decomposers . Although no two organisms decompose in the same way, they all undergo the same sequential stages of decomposition . The science which studies decomposition is generally referred to as taphonomy from the Greek word taphos, meaning tomb . </P> <P> One can differentiate abiotic from biotic decomposition (biodegradation). The former means "degradation of a substance by chemical or physical processes, e.g., hydrolysis . The latter means "the metabolic breakdown of materials into simpler components by living organisms", typically by microorganisms . </P>

Where do materials that decay or decompose come from