Which term describes organisms that consume dead material?

Detritivores are organisms that play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down and consuming dead organic material, such as fallen leaves, deceased plants, and dead animals. This decomposition process is essential for nutrient cycling, as it helps return nutrients to the soil, making them available for primary producers, like plants, to use. Detritivores include various species of fungi, bacteria, and animals like earthworms and certain insects that feed on decomposing matter. Their activity not only recycles nutrients but also contributes to soil formation and enhances soil fertility. This makes detritivores integral to the health and sustainability of ecosystems.