What process do detritivores primarily engage in?

Detritivores primarily engage in decomposition, which is the breakdown of organic material, such as dead plants and animals, into simpler substances. This process is essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems, as it recycles nutrients back into the soil, making them available for plants and other producers. Detritivores, such as earthworms, insects, and some fungi, consume detritus—decomposing organic matter—and in doing so, facilitate the decomposition process. By breaking down this material, they help to create humus, enrich soil, and support plant growth.

In contrast, the other processes listed are not the primary focus of detritivores. Photosynthesis, for example, is a process used by plants and some other organisms to convert light energy into chemical energy, which is unrelated to the role of detritivores. Respiration is a metabolic process where organisms convert food into energy and release carbon dioxide, but it does not specifically address the role detritivores play in breaking down organic matter. Carnivory involves feeding on other animals, which is typically characteristic of predators rather than detritivores that feed on decomposing material.