decomposers and detritivores

In one of the figures in my textbook the decomposers were put on the same level as the primary consumer. Detritivores are a type of decomposer.

I assume as the decomposers consume the dead organic matter of all organisms on any energy level in the ecosystem, they would not have a specific place in the energy pyramid. They could essentially appear on any level except the first as they are heterotrophs, unless the specific decomposer also happens to be photosynthetic or thermosynthetic.

Decomposers are organisms that obtain their organic nutrients from the dead organic matter in the ecosystem. Detritivores are heterotrophs that obtain their nutrients from detritus by internal digestion. While another type of decomposers are saprotrophs which digest the dead organic matter externally through excretion of enzymes which breaks down the matter.

Reference Allott, Andrew, and David Mindorff. Biology: Oxford IB Diploma Programme. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2014. Print.

 

Pressed for time?

 

Hire a skilled expert and get original paper for 3+ hours now

More Similar Essays

White’s The Clash of Economic Ideas

Pick one of the topics to write a 6 page paper on. Please use citations and quotes mentioned in the topic you chose (An Outline of the history of Economic Thought by Screpanti or The Clash of Economic Ideas by White). 1. Screpanti/Zamagni in chapter 12 provide a host...

read more

Philosophy

1. Wright a summary of content and methods used in the chronological development of metaphysics. 2. Choose a philosopher from the ancient, medieval, or modern period then discuss and compare his distinct metaphysical teaching and method with Martin Heidegger (a...

read more

EXAM 4 History

5 short answer questions 2 essay questions. This exam covers Chapters 13-16 in the textbook.George Brown Tindall and David Emory Shi, America: A Narrative History (11th Edition, Volume 1) ISBN # 978-0-393-66893-3Joshua D. Rothman, Reforming America, 1815-1860. ISBN #...

read more