detritivore

American  

[dih-trahy-tuh-vawr, -vohr] / dɪˈtraɪ təˌvɔr, -ˌvoʊr /

noun

Ecology.

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

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detritivore Scientific  

/ dĭ-trī′tə-vôr′ /

1. 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.

2. Compare carnivore herbivore

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Usage

What is a detritivore? A detritivore is an organism that eats dead or decaying plants or animals as food. Detritivores include microorganisms such as bacteria and larger organisms such as fungi, insects, worms, and some crustaceans. Detritivore is a combination of the word detritus and the suffix -vore. Detritus means waste or debris—in this case, dead plants and animals. The suffix -vore means “one that eats,” as seen in herbivore (plant eater) and carnivore (meat eater). So a detritivore eats dead plants and animals. Animals classified as scavengers also eat dead matter, but on a larger scale. Detritivores are an essential part of the food chain because they help to break down dead plant or animal matter. This returns essential nutrients to the ecosystem and helps to prevent a buildup of dead or rotting material that could spread disease and have other negative consequences.

Other Word Forms

• detritivorous adjective
• detrivorous adjective

Etymology

Origin of detritivore

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

Compare meaning

How does detritivore compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• detritivore vs. decomposer

Explanation

Creatures that eat old leaves, dead animals, and other decomposing stuff are called detritivores. Earthworms are a common example of a detritivore. Detritivores get their name from their preferred food, detritus, which can also mean "trash" or "rock fragments," but in this case means "decomposing organic matter." In addition to dead organisms, detritivores also consume the waste products of animals. They contribute to their ecosystems by returning nutrients into the soil or water. Millipedes, sea cucumbers, slugs, and fiddler crabs are all detritivores.