Q.Which of the following is / are not the mechanism of decomposition

Decomposition is the process by which decomposers break detritus (dead plants, dead animals, and excreta) down into simple organic and inorganic matter, essential for recycling nutrients and balancing an ecosystem's nutrient pool. Its speed depends on the chemistry of what is being broken down — carbohydrate, fat and protein decompose quickly, while cellulose, lignin, chitin, hair and bone resist breakdown and decompose slowly. Mechanistically it proceeds through five enzyme-driven stages. Fragmentation physically breaks detritus into smaller particles (by bacteria, fungi, earthworms), increasing surface area. Catabolism is decomposers secreting extracellular enzymes that chemically break complex compounds into simpler ones. Leaching (eluviation) is the movement of the now water-soluble compounds from the soil surface down to lower layers, carried by water. Humification converts simplified detritus into humus, a dark, microbially-resistant substance that acts as a slow-release nutrient reservoir. Mineralisation is the …