What type of waste do detritivores specifically consume?

Detritivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by consuming dead organic matter, including decomposed organisms and organic wastes. This process is essential for nutrient cycling, as detritivores break down this matter and facilitate its conversion into simpler compounds that can be reused by plants and other organisms. By feeding on detritus—a mixture of dead plant and animal matter, as well as waste products—detritivores help to maintain soil health and ecosystem balance. Their activity not only recycles nutrients but also enhances soil aeration and structure, benefiting various forms of life in the ecosystem.

Other options suggest different types of materials that are not the primary focus of detritivores. For instance, consuming only plant material implies a more selective diet that does not encompass the broader range of organic waste they process, while the option regarding freshly living tissue implies a predatory or herbivorous diet, which is contrary to the role of detritivores. Lastly, mineral sediments do not provide the organic nutrients detritivores require for energy and growth, further affirming that detritivores are specifically adapted to consuming dead organisms and organic wastes.