detritivore
Feeds on debris
A detritivore is an organism that feeds on dead organic matter—fallen leaves, decaying plants, animal remains, feces.
Earthworms, millipedes, and dung beetles are detritivores.
Unlike decomposers such as fungi and bacteria, detritivores physically consume and digest material rather than breaking it down externally.
They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, returning organic matter to the soil.
Gradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- decomposerOrganism breaking down corpses
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
- putrefactionBacterial breakdown of tissue
humus · leaf litter · compost · fungi · bacteria · mold · saprophyte · fermentation
Segmented soil-dwelling invertebrate
- woodlouseTerrestrial isopod, gray-armored
- millipedeMulti-segmented leggy invertebrate
- dung beetleInsect feeding on feces
- springtailPrimitive wingless jumping hexapod
isopod · maggot · termite · fungus gnat · cockroach · silverfish · sea cucumber · fiddler crab
Interconnected predator-prey relationships
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- soil healthGround's biological vitality
- carbon cycleBiogeochemical element circulation process
- nitrogen cycleBiogeochemical element circulation
energy flow · recycler · biodegradation · habitat · forest floor · sediment · benthic
Gathering discarded or dead material
- filter-feedingTrapping particles from water
- shreddingCutting into thin pieces
- grazingFeeding on pasture
- ingestionConsuming into the body
decay
Gradual organic breakdown
- rotOrganic breakdown process
- decomposerOrganism breaking down corpses
- breakdownFailure or decomposition
putrefaction · humus · leaf litter · compost · fungi · bacteria · mold · saprophyte · fermentation · disintegration
earthworm
Segmented soil-dwelling invertebrate
- woodlouseTerrestrial isopod, gray-armored
- millipedeMulti-segmented leggy invertebrate
- dung beetleInsect feeding on feces
springtail · isopod · maggot · termite · fungus gnat · cockroach · silverfish · sea cucumber · fiddler crab · hagfish
food web
Interconnected predator-prey relationships
- ecosystemInterconnected organisms and surroundings
- soil healthGround's biological vitality
- carbon cycleBiogeochemical element circulation process
nitrogen cycle · energy flow · recycler · biodegradation · habitat · forest floor · sediment · benthic
scavenging
Gathering discarded or dead material
- filter-feedingTrapping particles from water
- shreddingCutting into thin pieces
- grazingFeeding on pasture
ingestion · digestion · gut flora · microbial · organic matter
detritivorepredator
Organism that consumes others
apex predator · carnivore · hunter · hypercarnivore · autotroph