Which of the following best describes a detritivore?

• A. An organism that consumes detritus (dead organic matter).
• B. An organism that preys on living animals.
• C. An organism that eats only plants.
• D. An organism that captures energy from sunlight.

Answer: (A)

Detritivores are organisms that feed on detritus—dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, decaying flesh, and waste. This makes them a key part of nutrient recycling in ecosystems, as they physically ingest and digest this material. They differ from decomposers (like fungi and bacteria) that chemically break down detritus and absorb nutrients, often releasing inorganic forms back into the environment. The idea described here is the best fit because detritivores specifically rely on dead organic matter as their energy source rather than hunting living prey, eating only plants, or obtaining energy from sunlight. Examples include earthworms and many insects that feed on leaf litter and other detritus.