Food chain is characterized by cyclic flow of energy from autotrophs to decomposers via herbivores and carnivores trophic levels. In each ecosystem, the process of decomposition is as much important as the photosynthesis. Organisms which involve in the process of decaying of dead materials are called decomposer. Here, I’m going to differentiate two classes of decomposer saprophytes Vs detritivorus.
Description of decomposition process and decomposers
In any ecosystem, it is necessary to break down complex dead materials of animals and plants in the simpler form so that it is recycled effectively. The whole process of decaying of material in question is termed as decomposition; while organisms that make this process happen naturally are classified as decomposers.
Examples of saprophytes and detritivores as decomposers
For example, termites, cockroach, beetles, worms, etc. are organisms belong to insect class. Bacteria like Bacillus-subtilis, pseudomonas-fluorescens and fungi such as, yeasts, mold, and mushrooms are well known decomposers.
- Bacterias
- Insects
- Fungi
All the above classes and species are classified as decomposers based on their decaying abilities. Now let’s know the two types of decomposers — saprophytes Vs detritivores.
Meaning and examples of saprophytes and detritivores
Detritivores and saprophytes are subsets of decomposers. They recycle dead materials by their own ways. Saprophytes recycle material by secreting enzymes over the surface of dead materials to absorb. On the other hand, detritivores feed directly orally on the dead materials. So, both are involved in decaying process but in different ways.
Examples of saprophytes are bacteria and fungi. Insects are the examples of detritivores.
- Saprophytes — bacteria and fungi
- Detritivores — insets
Difference between saprophytes Vs detritivores decomposers
The process of decaying that involve saprophytes is extra-cellular; whereas, detritivores decomposers do it by intracellular ways.
In soil ecology, the role played by both the decomposers is vital as they nourish soil with precious nutrients like carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, and other micro nutrients.
Ecologically, their role is to finish the decomposition process to keep nature clean and healthy.
Nowadays, due to rampant pollution, nitrogen pollutants and others are badly inhibiting the decaying process. This is all about the difference between saprophytes vs detritivorus.
However and nevertheless conjunctions
Subject verb object and complement
Five kingdoms of classification