A decomposer is a term for organisms that break down diseased or decaying organisms. The decomposers are accountable for the decomposing process of a dead organism. Decomposers are heterotrophic, which means they utilize organic substances as sources of energy, carbon, and critical nutrients for their advancement and growth. On the other hand, the detritivores may well also be deemed heterotrophic.
However, detritivores are a group of decomposers. Detritivores are a branch decomposer, and they can either be classified into two groups. These include fungi and detritivores, and the most considered decomposers are fungi, which breakdown dead organisms. They use chemical compounds to consume the dead organism. Decomposers are responsible for breaking down the parts of the carcass into simpler substances.
The detritivores then scavenge the remains that the decomposing organic matter and is termed detritus, while the decomposers break down the organic substance from the decaying organism. The detritivores recover the decomposing organic material. Another difference between them is that most decomposers are bacteria or fungus, while the detritivores come in different forms. These include worms, millipedes, woodlice, dung flies, and slugs in the terrestrial aspect, while there are detritivores in the water. Both play a significant role in the life cycle in the ecosystem.