detritivore (detritus feeder) Heterotroph that feeds on dead material (detritus). The detritus most typically is of plant origin, but may include the dead remains of small animals. Since this material may also be digested by decomposer organisms (fungi and bacteria) and forms the habitat for other organisms (e.g. nematode worms and small insects), these too will form part of the typical detritivore diet. Animals (e.g. hyena) that feed mainly on other dead animals, or that feed mainly on the products (e.g. exuviae, dung) of larger animals, are termed scavengers. See also FOOD CHAIN; compare CARNIVORE; HERBIVORE.

detritivore(detritus feeder) A heterotrophic animal that feeds on dead material (detritus). The dead material is most typically of plant origin, but it may include the dead remains of small animals. Since this material may also be digested by decomposer organisms (fungi and bacteria) and forms the habitat for other organisms (e.g. nematode worms and small insects), these too will form part of the typical detritivore diet. Animals (e.g. the hyena) that feed mainly on other dead animals, or that feed mainly on the products (exuviae, e.g. dung), of larger animals, are termed scavengers. See also food-chain; compare carnivore and herbivore.

detritivore (detritus feeder) A heterotrophic animal that feeds on dead material, e.g. leaf litter. The dead material most typically is of plant origin, but may include the dead remains of small animals. Since this material may also be digested by decomposer organisms (fungi and bacteria) and forms the habitat for other organisms (e.g. nematode worms and small insects), these too will form part of the typical detritivore diet. Animals (e.g. hyena) that feed mainly on other dead animals, or that feed mainly on the products (exuviae, e.g. dung), of larger animals, are termed scavengers. See also FOOD-CHAIN.

detritivore An animal that feeds on detritus. Examples of detritivores are earthworms, blowflies, maggots, and woodlice. Detritivores play an important role in the breakdown of organic matter from decomposing animals and plants (see decomposer).