Question

Define detritivore with an example.

Answer 1

Step 1: Definition:
Detritivores (or decomposer-feeders) are organisms that feed directly on detritus — the dead and decaying organic remains of plants and animals — and break it into smaller particles, a process called fragmentation, which speeds up microbial decomposition.

Step 2: Example:
Earthworms are common detritivores; other examples include millipedes, dung beetles and some soil mites.

Final Answer:
\(\text{Earthworm is a detritivore that feeds on detritus and fragments it}\)