Expert: Walter Hintz - 7/19/2006

Question
Dear Sir

I have some enquiry based on decomposers and detritivores:

1. What are the differences between decomposers and detritivores?
2. How the activity of detritivores might speed up the breakdown of dead organic matter by decomposers?

Thanks.

With regard,
Jiaming

Answer
Hi Jiaming:
1. Decomposers derive their energy by breaking down and metabolizing dead organic organisms.  What they do not breakdown is left as detritus.  Other organisms (detritivores ) metabolize this material. Bacteria and fungi do this work.
2.I cannot see how  activity of detritivores would speed up decomposition?