Chapter 29.2, Problem 3CYL

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The importance of detritivores and decomposers to ecosystem function.

Introduction:

Ecosystem consists of various trophic levels which are interconnected to each other. Producers forms the first trophic level and detritivores and decomposers forms the final trophic level within an ecosystem. Detritivores and decomposers are the lower organisms that feed upon wastes, dead, and decaying matter. Detritivores include nematode worms, earthworms, millipedes, and larvae of some species of flies. Decomposers include fungi and bacteria.