Which of the following best describes a detrivore?

A detrivore is characterized by its role in the ecosystem as a consumer of dead organic matter. This includes decomposing plant and animal material, which it breaks down into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient cycling, as it helps recycle nutrients back into the environment, making them available for primary producers, such as plants. Detrivores play a crucial role in decomposition, which is vital for maintaining the health of the ecosystem.

The other options refer to different types of organisms in the food web. For example, organisms that eat plants are typically herbivores, while primary producers are organisms, like plants and algae, that generate energy through photosynthesis. A predator of herbivores is a carnivore that feeds on plant-eating organisms. Each of these plays a distinct and important role in the ecosystem, but they do not accurately define a detrivore's specific function.