What are detritivores primarily known for consuming?

Detritivores are primarily known for consuming organic wastes and dead organisms. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter, such as fallen leaves, dead animals, and other decomposing material. This process contributes to nutrient cycling by converting this organic waste into simpler substances that can be reused by plants and other organisms, ultimately enriching the soil and promoting healthy ecosystems.

The consumption of living plants and animals pertains more to herbivores and carnivores, respectively, while detritivores specifically target the remnants of life and decomposed material. Sunlight and water are crucial for photosynthesis in plants but are not consumed by detritivores. Mineral substrates refer to the inorganic components of soil and do not represent the organic material that detritivores thrive on. Thus, the focus of detritivores on organic wastes and dead organisms highlights their essential ecological function in maintaining the health of ecosystems through decomposition and nutrient recycling.