What is the main characteristic of a detritivore?

A detritivore is primarily defined by its feeding habits, which involve consuming decaying organic matter. These organisms play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead material, recycling nutrients, and contributing to soil health. By feeding on detritus—dead plant material, decomposing organisms, and other organic debris—detritivores help to facilitate decomposition and nutrient cycling within the ecosystem.

Being distinct from primary producers, detritivores do not engage in photosynthesis or chemosynthesis to produce their own food. They are also not herbivores that feed on living plants or carnivores that hunt other animals. Instead, they thrive on matter that is in various stages of decay, reaffirming their essential role in the breakdown and recycling processes of ecosystems. This characteristic underlines their importance in maintaining ecological balance and supporting the growth of plants by enriching the soil with nutrients derived from decomposed material.