Question

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

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

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

Answer 1

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

Explanation: Detritivores (e.g., earthworms, millipedes) ingest and physically fragment dead material; decomposers (fungi, bacteria) chemically break down organic matter by extracellular digestion and absorb the nutrients.