Detritophagy
- Pronunciation
- /dih-TRY-toh-fuh-jee/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Detritophage
- Plural
- Detritophages
Definition
The consumption of detritus, which is decomposing organic matter, often performed by certain insects and other arthropods to obtain nutrients.
Etymology
From Latin 'detritus' meaning 'rubbing away' or 'wearing down', and Greek 'phagein' meaning 'to eat'.
Example
Woodlice are known for their detritophagy, feeding on decaying plant material and contributing to nutrient cycling in their ecosystems.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Decomposition
- Detritus
- Saprophagy
- Scavenging
Usage Notes
Detritophagy is a crucial ecological process that helps in breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the environment.