What term describes an organism that feeds on large parts of decaying plant and animal matter?

The term that describes an organism that feeds on large parts of decaying plant and animal matter is "detritivore." Detritivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down and recycling organic material. They consume dead plant and animal matter, facilitating the decomposition process and returning nutrients to the soil, which supports plant growth.

Detritivores differ from decomposers, which are typically microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down organic material into simpler substances at a microscopic level. While both groups are essential for decomposition, detritivores consume larger intact pieces of organic matter.

Scavengers, on the other hand, primarily feed on the remains of already dead animals, often those that are larger and have typically been killed or died recently. They do not actively break down decaying material on a broad scale as detritivores do.

Herbivores exclusively consume living plant material and do not feed on decaying matter.

Understanding these distinctions clarifies the specific ecological roles each type of organism plays in nutrient cycling and ecosystem health.