Talk:Soil life

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Fungi have no chlorophyll, and are not able to photosynthesise, therefore they are heterotrophic, meaning that, like animals, they require an external source of energy rather than being able to produce their own.

Heterotrophic mean they need an *organic* source of carbon, rather than being able to transform mineral source, such as CO2, to produce their own organic matter. This is also true for animals of course, but energy needs and carbon needs should not be confused.

Moreover, I would say all organisms require an *external* source of energy to develop (sigh ;-)). But some are able to use our sun energy, some have to rely on oxydo-reduction reactions. Still, it's always external...

Cheers

user:anthere

thanks for your correctionsquercus robur

This page could use quite a few further expansions - nematodes, soil mites, rotifers, earthworms, pseudoscorpions, ants, and isopods are all significant parts of soil life. Heck, one can even argue that moles contribute to soil aeration and ecology. I'm not sure whether those should all be expanded upon here, or if the listing of links to these articles given in the overview is sufficient. User:Decapod73 - edit: seems I need to make myself a page!