Question: 167: Detritivores breakdown detritus into smaller particles. This process is called:
(1) Humification
(2) Decomposition
(3) Catabolism
(4) Fragmentation
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
Detritivores such as earthworms feed on dead organic matter called detritus and
physically break it down into smaller pieces.
This physical breakdown of detritus into smaller particles is known as fragmentation.
Humification refers to the formation of humus from partially decomposed organic matter.
Decomposition is a broader process that includes fragmentation, leaching, catabolism, humification, and mineralisation.
Catabolism refers to enzymatic breakdown of organic matter by microbes.
Therefore, the process by which detritivores break down detritus into smaller particles is called fragmentation.