detritivore
an organism that uses organic waste as a food source, as certain insects.
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Origin of detritivore
1Other words from detritivore
- det·ri·tiv·or·ous [de-truh-tiv-er-uhs], /ˌdɛ trəˈtɪv ər əs/, de·triv·or·ous [dih-triv-er-uhs], /dɪˈtrɪv ər əs/, adjective
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Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Scientific definitions for 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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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