2. decomposers, detrivores, and scavengers feed on dead organic material. how are decomposers different from…

2. decomposers, detrivores, and scavengers feed on dead organic material. how are decomposers different from scavengers and detrivores?\na. decomposers only eat recently dead organisms, while detrivores and scavengers eat organisms at all stages of decay.\nb. decomposers only consume plant material, while detrivores and scavengers prefer meat.\nc. decomposers chemically break down dead material, while detrivores and scavengers physically alter it by chewing and tearing.\nd. decomposers are generally from the animal kingdom, while scavengers and detrivores are generally fungi and bacteria.

2. decomposers, detrivores, and scavengers feed on dead organic material. how are decomposers different from scavengers and detrivores?\na. decomposers only eat recently dead organisms, while detrivores and scavengers eat organisms at all stages of decay.\nb. decomposers only consume plant material, while detrivores and scavengers prefer meat.\nc. decomposers chemically break down dead material, while detrivores and scavengers physically alter it by chewing and tearing.\nd. decomposers are generally from the animal kingdom, while scavengers and detrivores are generally fungi and bacteria.

Answer

Brief Explanations:

  • Option A: Decomposers can act on decaying matter at all stages, not just recently dead. Scavengers often eat recently dead, so this is incorrect.
  • Option B: Decomposers (like fungi/bacteria) and detritivores/scavengers can consume both plant and animal matter, so this is wrong.
  • Option C: Decomposers (e.g., bacteria, fungi) use chemical processes (like enzymes) to break down dead material into simpler substances. Detritivores (e.g., earthworms) and scavengers (e.g., hyenas) physically process dead matter by chewing/tearing. This matches their roles.
  • Option D: Decomposers are mostly fungi/bacteria, while scavengers/detritivores are animals. This option has it reversed, so it's incorrect.

Answer:

C. Decomposers chemically break down dead material, while detrivores and scavengers physically alter it by chewing and tearing.