biodegrade - when animals or plants die, bacteria and other microscopic life forms
quickly set to work eating the remains. Bacteria aren't the only ones feasting. Larger things,
like insects and even buzzards and hyenas, also feed on dead animals. When the remains of plants
and animals are eliminated like this, we say they biodegrade. In this way, nature rids
the earth of the remains of dead plants and animals. Most things that come from plants or
animals, such as wood, cotton, paper, or leather, can also be attacked and eaten by the same
bacteria that break down dead plants and animals. Because these materials can be degraded by
living things, we call them biodegradable. Most plastics and
other polymers are not biodegradable.