What are the end products of aerobic decomposition?

Aerobic decomposition is a biological process that occurs in the presence of oxygen. During this process, organic matter, such as plant and animal material, is broken down by microorganisms. The primary end products of aerobic decomposition are carbon dioxide and water.

When microbes digest organic matter, they consume oxygen and release carbon dioxide as a byproduct of respiration. Water is also produced as a result of the metabolic processes involved in breaking down organic material. This process is essential in carbon cycling, as it helps to return carbon to the atmosphere and contributes to the natural balance of ecosystems.

In contrast, other potential end products mentioned in the incorrect options represent processes or substances typically associated with different types of decomposition or metabolic activity. For instance, methane production generally occurs under anaerobic conditions (in the absence of oxygen), while ammonia and methanol are byproducts of other biochemical processes that do not reflect the total outcome of aerobic breakdown.