Detritivorous

/ˌdetrɪˈtɪvərəs/ adjective

Definition

Describing an animal that eats detritus, which is dead organic material and debris found in soil or water.

Etymology

Combination of 'detritus' (Latin, worn-away matter) and '-vorous' (from Latin 'vorare', to devour). Scientists coined this term to classify organisms by their diet.

Kelly Says

Earthworms are detritivorous superstars—they munch through dead leaves and poop out enriched soil, turning garbage into gardener's gold!

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