Insects:
* Earthworms: Famous for their role in breaking down organic matter in the soil.
* Dung beetles: Feed on animal dung, helping to recycle nutrients.
* Termites: Break down wood and other plant matter.
* Millipedes: Feed on decaying leaves and other plant debris.
* Woodlice: Feed on decaying plant matter.
Other Invertebrates:
* Crabs: Some species, like fiddler crabs, feed on decaying seaweed.
* Sea urchins: Some species feed on dead algae and seaweed.
* Sea cucumbers: Feed on sediment and decaying organic matter.
Vertebrates:
* Vultures: Scavenge on carcasses of dead animals.
* Hyenas: Scavenge and hunt, often eating carrion.
* Rats and Mice: Can be scavengers and consume dead animals and organic matter.
* Fishes: Some fish, like catfish, feed on decaying matter at the bottom of lakes and rivers.
Important Note:
While these are common examples, the line between detritivore and scavenger can be blurry. Scavengers are animals that eat dead animals, while detritivores eat dead plants and animals. Some animals, like vultures, are considered both scavengers and detritivores.
Ultimately, detritivores play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil, making them an essential part of the food chain.