Detritivores Flashcards
What is the role of decomposers in a food chain?
Decomposers make nutrients available to the producers that are not at the start of every food chain.
What forms detritus in an ecosystem?
When organisms die, their remains, as well as fallen leaves, flowers and twigs form detritus.
What is detritus rich in?
Detritus is rich in nutrients, and is the food source for scavengers.
Which organisms are examples of scavengers?
Rats and crows are examples of scavengers.
What are small scavengers such as maggots and earthworms called?
Detritivores.
What is the main role of detritivores?
To break down dead and decaying matter into smaller pieces upon which decomposers feed.
What do decomposers secrete to break down complex substances?
Enzymes.
What types of substances do decomposers break down?
Complex substances into simple more soluble substances such as water, carbon dioxide, glucose, and nutrients.
Name two nutrients released into the soil by decomposers.
- Nitrates
- Sulphates
Fill in the blank: Detritivores break down dead and decaying matter into _______.
Smaller pieces upon which decomposers feed.
True or False: Decomposers contribute to the nutrient cycle in ecosystems.
True
