Detritivore

Earthworms are a good example of soil-dwelling detritivores.

Two Common Blue butterflies lap at a small lump of feces lying on a rock.

Fungi are the primary decomposers in most environments, illustrated here Mycena interrupta. Only fungi produce the enzymes necessary to decompose lignin, a chemically complex substance found in wood.

Detritivores

Detritivores, sometimes referred to as detritophages, detritus feeders, detritus eaters, or saprophages, are heterotrophs that derive their nutrition from the consumption of detritus—decomposed portions of plant and animal matter as well as feces. They play a crucial role in ecosystem health and function by aiding decomposition and the nutrient cycles. Although often used interchangeably with decomposers, detritivores differ in their method of consumption. While many bacteria, fungi, and protists decompose organic matter by absorbing and metabolizing it on a molecular scale (known as saprotrophic nutrition), detritivores ingest and digest discrete chunks of organic matter.

Classification and Terminology

The field of biology provides a variety of terms related to decayed matter and methods of consumption. Although terms like detritivore, detritophage, saprotroph, saprophyte, saprophage, and saprobe often overlap in meaning, each has its nuances and distinctions based on specific physiologic mechanisms.

Ecological Role

Detritivores are vital components of many ecosystems, facilitating the breakdown of organic matter and contributing to nutrient cycling. They inhabit various environments with an organic component, extending to marine ecosystems where they might also be termed bottom feeders.

Notable Detritivores

Among the myriad of organisms that fall under the detritivore classification, some common examples include:

• Millipedes
• Woodlice
• Dung flies
• Slugs
• Many terrestrial worms
• Sea stars
• Sea cucumbers
• Fiddler crabs
• Some sedentary polychaetes, such as amphitrites (Amphitritinae, worms of the family Terebellidae) and other terebellids.

Scavengers vs. Detritivores

Although they might appear similar in their dietary habits, scavengers are generally not considered detritivores. Scavengers often consume significant amounts of organic matter, which can be relatively fresh, while detritivores focus on decomposed matter. Both, however, belong to specific subsets of consumer-resource systems.

Specialized Feeding

Certain animals specialize in consuming specific forms of detritus. For instance, the consumption of wood, whether it's alive or decayed, is termed xylophagy. Animals that feed exclusively on dead wood undergo an activity named sapro-xylophagy and are thus referred to as sapro-xylophagous.

See Also

• Decomposition
• Scavenger
• Heterotroph

References

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