Question

Select the response that best explains why detritivores are important for maintaining the health of an ecosystem.

Detritivores regulate the population of herbivores by preying on them.

Detritivores provide food for primary producers


Detritivores prevent the growth of invasive species by consuming their seeds

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

Answer 1

The best explanation for why detritivores are important for maintaining the health of an ecosystem is:

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

This process helps to break down complex organic materials, returning essential nutrients to the soil, which supports plant growth and overall ecosystem functioning.