
A detritivorous animal of economic importance is
(a)Caterpillar larva
(b)Leech
(c)Earthworm
(d)Giriraja fowl
Answer
456.6k+ views
Hint: Detritivores are animals that feed on dead and decaying matter and are part of the detritus food chain. Detritivores are crucial for ecosystems because they are responsible for breaking down organic matter into inorganic simpler substances thus recycling those elements.
Complete answer:
A detritivorous animal of economic importance is the Earthworm which is also known as ‘friends of the farmers’ because of how it benefits the soil for crops. Earthworms make burrows in the soil as they move and this results in the soil becoming porous. This helps in respiration and penetration of the plant roots. The earthworms also increase the fertility of the soil by a process known as vermicomposting as organic compounds are broken into simple inorganic compounds which are absorbed by growing plants. Earthworms belong to the phylum Annelida and their characteristic is that their body is divided into segments or metameres.
Additional Information: The process of decomposition includes:
Fragmentation: It is the process of breaking down detritus into smaller particles by decomposers.
Leaching: In leaching, inorganic nutrients seep down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
Catabolism: The process of breaking down detritus into even smaller inorganic substances with the help of fungal and bacterial enzymes is known as catabolism.
Humification: The process of formation of humus which is a dark-colored amorphous substance resistant to microbial action is known as humification.
Mineralization: The further degradation of humus to release inorganic nutrients is known as mineralization.
So, the correct option is ‘Earthworm’.
Note: -Detritus is the raw matter for the detritus food chain and consists of dead and decomposing matter like dead bodies of animals, leaves, etc.
-Decomposition occurs faster in warm and moist conditions as compared to colder and anaerobic conditions.
-Soil rich in lignin and chitin is decomposed slower than soil rich in nitrogen and sugars.
Complete answer:
A detritivorous animal of economic importance is the Earthworm which is also known as ‘friends of the farmers’ because of how it benefits the soil for crops. Earthworms make burrows in the soil as they move and this results in the soil becoming porous. This helps in respiration and penetration of the plant roots. The earthworms also increase the fertility of the soil by a process known as vermicomposting as organic compounds are broken into simple inorganic compounds which are absorbed by growing plants. Earthworms belong to the phylum Annelida and their characteristic is that their body is divided into segments or metameres.
Additional Information: The process of decomposition includes:
Fragmentation: It is the process of breaking down detritus into smaller particles by decomposers.
Leaching: In leaching, inorganic nutrients seep down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts.
Catabolism: The process of breaking down detritus into even smaller inorganic substances with the help of fungal and bacterial enzymes is known as catabolism.
Humification: The process of formation of humus which is a dark-colored amorphous substance resistant to microbial action is known as humification.
Mineralization: The further degradation of humus to release inorganic nutrients is known as mineralization.
So, the correct option is ‘Earthworm’.
Note: -Detritus is the raw matter for the detritus food chain and consists of dead and decomposing matter like dead bodies of animals, leaves, etc.
-Decomposition occurs faster in warm and moist conditions as compared to colder and anaerobic conditions.
-Soil rich in lignin and chitin is decomposed slower than soil rich in nitrogen and sugars.

Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 11 Accountancy: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Express the following as a fraction and simplify a class 7 maths CBSE

The length and width of a rectangle are in ratio of class 7 maths CBSE

The ratio of the income to the expenditure of a family class 7 maths CBSE

How do you write 025 million in scientific notatio class 7 maths CBSE

How do you convert 295 meters per second to kilometers class 7 maths CBSE

Trending doubts
10 examples of friction in our daily life

One Metric ton is equal to kg A 10000 B 1000 C 100 class 11 physics CBSE

Difference Between Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells

State and prove Bernoullis theorem class 11 physics CBSE

What organs are located on the left side of your body class 11 biology CBSE

Write down 5 differences between Ntype and Ptype s class 11 physics CBSE
