Organisms that break down bodies of dead plants and animals into nutrients that are released into the soil or water are called
A)detritivores
B)detritus feeders
C)decomposers
D)scavengers
E)omnivores

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Decomposers are the organisms responsible for breaking down the bodies of dead plants and animals into nutrients. Detritivores and detritus feeders also feed on dead organic material, but they break it down into smaller particles that can be further broken down by decomposers. Scavengers feed on dead animals, but they do not contribute to the nutrient cycling process as much as decomposers do. Omnivores are not necessarily involved in decomposition, as they can also eat live organisms.

Organisms That Break Down Bodies of Dead Plants and Animals