What type of organic matter do detritivores primarily consume?

Detritivores primarily consume decomposed material, which encompasses a variety of organic matter that has already broken down from its original form. This group of organisms plays a crucial role in nutrient cycling within ecosystems by breaking down dead plant and animal matter, as well as other organic residues. By feeding on this decomposed material, detritivores help to recycle nutrients back into the soil, making them available for plants and other organisms, thus maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

In contrast, living plants, animal waste, and fruits do not accurately capture the primary focus of detritivores’ diet. Living plants are typically consumed by herbivores, while animal waste can be a food source for certain organisms, but it is not the primary component that detritivores are adapted to process. Fruits, while organic matter, do not represent the decayed state of material that detritivores are specialized in breaking down. Hence, the consumption of decomposed material aligns perfectly with the ecological role of detritivores.