Question

Select the response that best explains why detritivores are important for maintaining the health of an ecosystem.(1 point)
Responses

Detritivores provide food for primary producers
Detritivores provide food for primary producers

Detritivores regulate the population of herbivores by preying on them.
Detritivores regulate the population of herbivores by preying on them.

Detritivores decompose dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem
Detritivores decompose dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem

Detritivores prevent the growth of invasive species by consuming their seeds

Answer 1

The best response that explains why detritivores are important for maintaining the health of an ecosystem is:

**Detritivores decompose dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.**

This function is crucial as it helps replenish nutrients in the soil, supporting plant growth and overall ecosystem health.