detritivore

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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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