Question

What do detritus feeders do in the carbon cycle?

Answer 1

Carbon cycle: It is nature's method of recycling carbon atoms, which flow from the atmosphere into creatures on earth and then back into the atmosphere.

Detritus feeders:

1. Detritus feeders, also known as, detrivores, detritophages, scavengers, or detritus, are heterotrophic organisms that obtain nutrients by consuming detritus (the breakdown of plant and animal parts as well as feces).
2. There are many types of invertebrates, vertebrates, and plants that practice coprophagy (eating excretory waste).

Role of detritus feeders in the carbon cycle:

1. Detritus feeders devour dead and decaying producers (plants) and consumers (animals), emitting carbon dioxide into the environment.
2. By decomposing dead and discarded organic matter, they also contribute to the CO₂ pool.