Question

Are saprotrophs detritivores?

Answer 1

Detritivores

1. Detritivores are organisms that consume dead and decaying organic matter or detritus and obtain nutrients internally.
2. They feed on decaying organic matter and break down the food through internal digestion and absorption.
3. Earthworms, termites, cockroaches, etc are some examples of detritivores.

Saprotrophs

1. Saprotrophs are those organisms that feed externally on dead and decaying organic matter.
2. They secrete chemicals and enzymes that digest the organic material and the nutrients are then absorbed.
3. It includes fungi and bacteria.
4. Saprotrophs are not considered detritivores.
5. They both are heterotrophs that break down organic matter externally and absorb energy from detritus.
6. Bacteria and fungi feed on dead matter and replenish the nutrient cycle.
7. Both heterotrophs support the detritus food chain.