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detritivore

A Dictionary of Ecology | 2004 | | Copyright

detritivore(detritus feeder) A heterotrophic animal that feeds on dead material (detritus). The dead material is most typically of plant origin, but it may include the dead remains of small animals. Since this material may also be digested by decomposer organisms (fungi and bacteria) and forms the habitat for other organisms (e.g. nematode worms and small insects), these too will form part of the typical detritivore diet. Animals (e.g. the hyena) that feed mainly on other dead animals, or that feed mainly on the products (exuviae, e.g. dung), of larger animals, are termed scavengers. See also food-chain; compare carnivore and herbivore.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-detritivore.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Ecology. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O14-detritivore.html

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detritivore

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

detritivore (detritus feeder) Heterotroph that feeds on dead material (detritus). The detritus most typically is of plant origin, but may include the dead remains of small animals. Since this material may also be digested by decomposer organisms (fungi and bacteria) and forms the habitat for other organisms (e.g. nematode worms and small insects), these too will form part of the typical detritivore diet. Animals (e.g. hyena) that feed mainly on other dead animals, or that feed mainly on the products (e.g. exuviae, dung) of larger animals, are termed scavengers. See also FOOD CHAIN; compare CARNIVORE; HERBIVORE.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-detritivore.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-detritivore.html

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detritivore

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences | 1998 | | Copyright

detritivore (detritus feeder) A heterotrophic animal that feeds on dead material, e.g. leaf litter. The dead material most typically is of plant origin, but may include the dead remains of small animals. Since this material may also be digested by decomposer organisms (fungi and bacteria) and forms the habitat for other organisms (e.g. nematode worms and small insects), these too will form part of the typical detritivore diet. Animals (e.g. hyena) that feed mainly on other dead animals, or that feed mainly on the products (exuviae, e.g. dung), of larger animals, are termed scavengers. See also FOOD-CHAIN.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-detritivore.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "detritivore." A Dictionary of Plant Sciences. 1998. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O7-detritivore.html

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detritivore

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Copyright

detritivore An animal that feeds on detritus. Examples of detritivores are earthworms, blowflies, maggots, and woodlice. Detritivores play an important role in the breakdown of organic matter from decomposing animals and plants (see decomposer).

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"detritivore." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"detritivore." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-detritivore.html

"detritivore." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-detritivore.html

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