How do detritivores primarily differ from decomposers?

How do detritivores primarily differ from decomposers?

• A. Detritivores release nutrients directly from dead matter
• B. Detritivores feed only on living matter
• C. Decomposers are the same as detritivores
• D. Detritivores eat dead organic matter; decomposers break down dead remains and release nutrients

Answer: (D)

Detritivores primarily differ in how they process dead matter: they physically ingest and digest detritus, turning it into energy and waste, while decomposers break down dead remains externally with enzymes and release inorganic nutrients back into the environment. This means detritivores—like earthworms and woodlice—consume dead organic matter, whereas decomposers—such as fungi and bacteria—secrete enzymes to decompose the material and mineralize it so nutrients become available again for other organisms. The statement captures this distinction: detritivores eat dead organic matter; decomposers break down dead remains and release nutrients. Detritivores can help prepare material for decomposers by increasing surface area, but their main role is ingestion, not enzymatic breakdown.

Detritivores primarily differ in how they process dead matter: they physically ingest and digest detritus, turning it into energy and waste, while decomposers break down dead remains externally with enzymes and release inorganic nutrients back into the environment. This means detritivores—like earthworms and woodlice—consume dead organic matter, whereas decomposers—such as fungi and bacteria—secrete enzymes to decompose the material and mineralize it so nutrients become available again for other organisms. The statement captures this distinction: detritivores eat dead organic matter; decomposers break down dead remains and release nutrients. Detritivores can help prepare material for decomposers by increasing surface area, but their main role is ingestion, not enzymatic breakdown.