Which term describes a detritivore that breaks down organic matter into simpler compounds, returning nutrients to the ecosystem?

• A. Decomposer
• B. Detritivore
• C. Consumer
• D. Omnivore

Answer: (A)

Nutrient recycling in ecosystems is driven by decomposers that chemically break down organic matter into simpler, inorganic nutrients. These organisms—like bacteria and fungi—use enzymes to mineralize complex molecules into forms such as ammonium and phosphate, making nutrients available for plants and other organisms. Detritivores, such as earthworms, physically ingest and fragment detritus, aiding decomposition, but they don’t primarily convert organic matter into inorganic nutrients themselves. Consumers and omnivores rely on eating living or recently dead material and don’t drive the mineralization process that returns nutrients to the ecosystem.