What role do detritivores play in an ecosystem?

Detritivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter, known as detritus, into simpler substances. This process is accomplished through internal digestion, where detritivores consume decomposing plant and animal materials, as well as other organic matter, and then break it down internally.

As they digest this material, detritivores return essential nutrients to the soil, which supports plant growth and contributes to nutrient cycling within the ecosystem. This nutrient recycling is vital for maintaining the health of the ecosystem, as it ensures that resources are continuously made available to primary producers, such as plants.

In contrast, the other options illustrate different ecological roles that do not apply to detritivores. For example, photosynthesis is specific to primary producers and is not a function of detritivores, who rely on organic matter rather than creating it. Detritivores specifically do not feed on living organisms but rather break down the remnants of dead ones. Finally, their function does not involve being primary producers, as that role is exclusively held by organisms that can perform photosynthesis, like plants. Thus, understanding the function of detritivores emphasizes their importance in nutrient cycling and ecosystem sustainability.