Question

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

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 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 are heterotrophic, decomposers are autotrophic.

Answer 1

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

Detritivores (e.g., earthworms, woodlice) ingest and physically break up detritus; decomposers (e.g., fungi, bacteria) chemically break down and absorb nutrients from dead material.