The firm Polymateria developed the first additive for inducing this process in polyolefin-based packaging. For 10 points each:
[10m] Name this microbe-facilitated process that involves “deterioration,” “fragmentation,” and “assimilation” steps.
ANSWER: biodegradation [prompt on degradation]
[10e] Biodegradation is the natural analogue to this human-driven process that involves converting organic waste into fertilizer in a namesake “pile” or “heap.”
ANSWER: composting [accept compost pile or compost heap]
[10h] Composting can be accelerated by inducing this phenomenon in a namesake “static pile.” A garden tool with curved spikes facilitates this phenomenon in compacted lawns, helping to improve soil drainage.
ANSWER: aeration [accept aerator; prompt on air flow]
<Michael Bentley, Science - Engineering and Miscellaneous> ~21135~ <Editor: David Bass>