
What are the functions of detritivores in an ecosystem?
Answer
420.3k+ views
Hint: An ecosystem is described as "a collection of living and nonliving species that interact with one another".
Ecosystems are the structural and functional units of ecology in which living species interact with one another and with their surroundings. An ecosystem, in other terms, is a series of interactions between species and their surroundings. A.G. Tansley, an English botanist, created the term "ecosystem" in 1935.
Complete answer:
Detritivores are creatures that feed on the organic waste left behind by dead and decaying plants and animals. They are the food chain's top predators. Butterflies, beetles, snails, and slugs are examples of terrestrial detritivores. Lobsters, crabs, and sea stars are detritivores in aquatic ecology.
Detritivores serve a variety of purposes, including:
They aid in the recycling of nutrients by breaking down dead and rotting materials.
Detritivores, such as soil-dwelling earthworms, aerate the soil and aid plant growth.
They aid in the elimination of dead matter and the prevention of disease transmission.
Detritivores eat the waste of primary producers, herbivores, and carnivores, and as a result, they can be found in ecosystems at all trophic levels. Detritivores are an important part of the ecosystem energy cycle since they consume energy from other creatures as well as being eaten by secondary consumers.
Not only is the recycling process required for decomposition, but the removal of dead material is also required to avoid disease transmission.
Creatures that feed on the organic waste of dead plants and animals are called detritivores, whereas organisms that decompose dead plants and animals are called decomposers.
Note:
Ecosystems are the structural and functional units of ecology in which living species interact with one another and with their surroundings. An ecosystem, in other terms, is a series of interactions between species and their surroundings. A.G. Tansley, an English botanist, created the term "ecosystem" in 1935.
Complete answer:
Detritivores are creatures that feed on the organic waste left behind by dead and decaying plants and animals. They are the food chain's top predators. Butterflies, beetles, snails, and slugs are examples of terrestrial detritivores. Lobsters, crabs, and sea stars are detritivores in aquatic ecology.
Detritivores serve a variety of purposes, including:
They aid in the recycling of nutrients by breaking down dead and rotting materials.
Detritivores, such as soil-dwelling earthworms, aerate the soil and aid plant growth.
They aid in the elimination of dead matter and the prevention of disease transmission.
Detritivores eat the waste of primary producers, herbivores, and carnivores, and as a result, they can be found in ecosystems at all trophic levels. Detritivores are an important part of the ecosystem energy cycle since they consume energy from other creatures as well as being eaten by secondary consumers.
Not only is the recycling process required for decomposition, but the removal of dead material is also required to avoid disease transmission.
Creatures that feed on the organic waste of dead plants and animals are called detritivores, whereas organisms that decompose dead plants and animals are called decomposers.
Note:
DETRITIVORES | DECOMPOSERS |
These are a class of decomposers. | Decomposers are divided into three categories: detritivores, scavengers, and saprophytes. |
They eat the organic excrement of dead plants and animals as a source of nutrition. | They eat dead plants and animals and degrade them. |
Butterflies and beetles, for example. | Bacteria and fungus, for example. |
Latest Vedantu courses for you
Grade 10 | CBSE | SCHOOL | English
Vedantu 10 CBSE Pro Course - (2025-26)
School Full course for CBSE students
₹ per year
Recently Updated Pages
Master Class 12 Economics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Maths: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Biology: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Physics: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 Business Studies: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Master Class 12 English: Engaging Questions & Answers for Success

Trending doubts
Which one is a true fish A Jellyfish B Starfish C Dogfish class 10 biology CBSE

The Equation xxx + 2 is Satisfied when x is Equal to Class 10 Maths

Which tributary of Indus originates from Himachal Pradesh class 10 social science CBSE

Why is there a time difference of about 5 hours between class 10 social science CBSE

Fill the blanks with proper collective nouns 1 A of class 10 english CBSE

Distinguish between ordinary light and laser light class 10 physics CBSE
