In detritus-based ecosystems, which statement about detritus, detritivores, and decomposers is true?

• A. Detritus has no role in energy transfer within ecosystems.
• B. Detritivores do not contribute to nutrient cycling.
• C. Detritus can be consumed by detritivores and decomposers, contributing to nutrient cycling.
• D. Nutrient cycling occurs only through photosynthesis.

Answer: (C)

Detritus-based ecosystems rely on dead organic matter as a major source of energy and nutrients. Detritus such as leaf litter and dead material can be eaten by detritivores, which digest it and move energy up the food web, and it is also broken down by decomposers like bacteria and fungi, which release nutrients back into the environment. This combination keeps nutrient cycling going, as inorganic nutrients are made available for uptake by primary producers. Nutrient cycling isn’t limited to photosynthesis—photosynthesis captures solar energy to build biomass, while decomposition and mineralization return nutrients to useable forms for plants. So detritus can be consumed by both detritivores and decomposers, contributing to nutrient cycling.