Decomposer vs. Detritivore

Decomposernoun

(ecology) Any organism that feeds off decomposing organic material, especially such a bacterium or fungus

Decomposer

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms; they carry out decomposition, a process possible by only certain kingdoms, such as fungi. Like herbivores and predators, decomposers are heterotrophic, meaning that they use organic substrates to get their energy, carbon and nutrients for growth and development.

Detritivorenoun

(ecology) An organism that feeds on detritus; a detrivore, a saprophage.

Detritivore

Detritivores (also known as detrivores, detritophages, detritus feeders, or detritus eaters) are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by consuming detritus (decomposing plant and animal parts as well as faeces). There are many kinds of invertebrates, vertebrates and plants that carry out coprophagy.