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Question

Question
What is the difference between a detritivore and a decomposer?(1 point)
Responses

While detritivores are heterotrophic, decomposers are autotrophic.
While detritivores are heterotrophic, decomposers are autotrophic.

While detritivores consume both plants and animals, decomposers only consume dead animals.
While detritivores consume both plants and animals, decomposers only consume dead animals.

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

While detritivores consume animals, decomposers only consume plants.
While detritivores consume animals, decomposers only consume plants.

Answer 1

The correct response is:

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 (detritus), while decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, break down this material at a molecular level, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.