Some Key Words Related To EED

DECOMPOSERS:

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying

organisms, and in doing so carry out the natural process of

decomposition. Like herbivores and predators, decomposers

are heterotrophic, meaning that they use organic substrates to get

their energy, carbon and nutrients for growth and development.

Decomposers use deceased organisms and non-living organic

compounds as their food source.

The primary examples are Fungi, worms, etc.

SCAVENGERS:

Scavenging is both a carnivorous and herbivorous feeding behavior in

which individual scavengers search out dead animal

(corpses or carrion) and dead plant biomass on which to feed . The

eating of carrion from the same species is referred to

as cannibalism. Scavengers play an important role in

the ecosystem by contributing to the decomposition of dead animal

and plant material. Decomposers and detritivores complete this

process, by consuming the remains left by scavengers.

The primary examples are vultures, burying beetles, blowflies, yellow

jackets, and raccoons.

PREDATOR:

Predation describes a biological interaction where a predator (an

organism that is hunting) feeds on its prey (the organism that is

attacked).]Predators may or may not kill their prey prior

to feeding on them, but the act of predation always results in the

death of its prey and the eventual absorption of the prey's tissue

through consumption. Other categories

of consumption are herbivore (eating parts of plants)

and detritivory, the consumption of dead organic material (detritus).

CARNIVORES:

A carnivoremeaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its

energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or

exclusively of animal tissue.