detritivore

[dih-trahy-tuh-vawr, -vohr]

noun Ecology.

an organism that uses organic waste as a food source, as certain insects.

Origin of detritivore

First recorded in 1975–80; detrit(us) + -i- + -vore

Related formsdet·ri·tiv·or·ous

[de-truh-tiv-er-uh s] /ˌdɛ trəˈtɪv ər əs/, de·triv·or·ous

[dih-triv-er-uh s] /dɪˈtrɪv ər əs/, adjective

detritivore in Science

detritivore

[dĭ-trī′tə-vôr′]

An organism that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, returning essential nutrients to the ecosystem. Detritivores include microorganisms such as bacteria and protists as well as larger organisms such as fungi, insects, worms, and isopod crustaceans. In a food chain, detritivores are primary consumers. Compare carnivore herbivore.