Which of the following groups includes the breakdown of organic material?

The breakdown of organic material is primarily attributed to detritivores. Detritivores are organisms that feed on dead organic matter, breaking it down into simpler substances through their feeding activities. This process is crucial in ecosystems as it aids in nutrient cycling, promoting soil fertility and facilitating the recycling of organic materials back into the ecosystem.

Detritivores include organisms such as earthworms, fungi, and certain bacteria, which contribute significantly to decomposing plant and animal remains, thus releasing essential nutrients that can be utilized by primary producers. By breaking down complex organic compounds, detritivores play a vital role in maintaining the health of ecosystems and ensuring energy flow through trophic levels.

In contrast, primary producers use sunlight or chemical energy to synthesize organic matter through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, carnivores consume other animals, and herbivores primarily feed on plants. Each of these groups plays distinct roles in the food web, but it is the detritivores that are specifically responsible for the decomposition of organic material.