🌱 Environment & EcologyUPSC 2021Sustainable Development

Which of the following are detritivores?1. Earthworms2. Jellyfish3. Millipedes4. Seahorses5. WoodliceSelect the correct answer using the code given below

a1, 2 and 4 only
b2, 3, 4 and 5 only
c1, 3 and 5 only
d1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
✓ Correct answer: c) 1, 3 and 5 only
ExplanationDetritivores also known as detritivores, detritophag- es, detritus feeders, or detritus eaters are heterotrophs that obtain nutrients by consuming detritus (decomposing plant and animal parts as well as feces).By doing so, all these detritivores contribute to decomposition and the nutrient cycles.Option (c) is correct: Earthworms, Millipedes and Woodlice are Detritivores.Detritivores are an important aspect of many ecosystems.They can live on any type of soil with an organic component, including marine ecosystems, where they are termed interchangeably with bottom feeders.Typical detritivorous animals include earth- worm, millipedes, springtails, woodlice, dung flies, slugs, many terrestrial worms, sea stars, sea cucumbers, fiddler crabs, and some sedentary polychaetes such as worms of the family Terebellidae.5

Practice more Environment PYQs

Attempt a free 10-question quiz or browse the full Environment & Ecology previous-year-question bank with instant answers and explanations.

🌱 Environment PYQs →