Through biodegradation, dead plants and animals get broken down and so do the waste products they produce while living. For plants, these waste products include dead leaves and the remnants of seeds and blossoms. For animals, wastes include excrement and any feathers, fur, hair, antlers, shells, skin, or other parts that get shed. All of these wastes are examples of organic matter, material that has been created by living things. Although all organic matter eventually will decay, some types will break down much faster than others. Depending on the type of material and the environmental conditions, decay may take place within hours or over many years. Why is biodegradation important? Not only does it clean up the mess left behind by dead bodies and other wastes, it also plays an essential role in nutrient cycling and energy flow—key processes that sustain life on Earth. This free selection includes athe Table of Contents and Preface section.