What is the difference between a detritivore and a decomposer?

Question

A. While detritivores feed on dead organic matter, decomposers actually break down dead or decaying organisms
B. While detritivores are heterotrophic, decomposers are autotrophic
C. While detritivores consume animals, decomposers only consumer plants
D. While detritivores consume both plants and animals, decomposers only consume dead animals

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

A. While detritivores feed on dead organic matter, decomposers actually break down dead or decaying organisms.

Detritivores, such as earthworms and some insects, consume dead organic material and help in the process of decomposition, whereas decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down complex organic substances into simpler substances, contributing to nutrient cycling in the ecosystem.