Which group of organisms is involved in breaking down dead organic material?

Detritivores are a crucial group of organisms in the ecosystem that specialize in breaking down dead organic material. This process not only helps to recycle nutrients back into the soil, promoting plant growth, but also plays a key role in the overall health of the ecosystem by aiding in decomposition. Detritivores include organisms such as earthworms, fungi, and certain types of insects, which consume decomposing matter and facilitate its breakdown further.

This decomposition nurtures the soil, making it richer and healthier for primary producers, which include plants and algae that convert sunlight into energy. While the other groups of organisms—primary producers, predators, and herbivores—play significant roles in their respective ecological niches, they do not primarily focus on the recycling of dead organic material like detritivores do. Understanding the role of detritivores is essential when discussing nutrient cycles and energy flow within ecosystems.