Decomposition Cascade
Each stage requires different specialists and timescales.
Decomposition isn't a single process - it's a cascade of specialized organisms breaking down progressively more recalcitrant materials. Stage 1: Scavengers (hours to days) consume soft tissues. Stage 2: Saprophytic fungi and bacteria (weeks to months) secrete enzymes breaking down complex polymers like cellulose and lignin. Stage 3: Detritivores (months to years) consume partially decomposed matter, fragmenting it further. Stage 4: Mineralization (years to decades) completes conversion of all remaining organic compounds into CO₂, water, and mineral nutrients.
Business Application of Decomposition Cascade
Organizational decomposition follows similar stages: immediate salvage of obvious assets, medium-term extraction of embedded value (talent, technology), and long-term capture of strategic lessons. Each stage requires different specialists and timescales.