What is Detritus?
In [[biology]], '''detritus''' is non-living particules of [[organic]] origin. Typically, it includes the bodies or fragments of dead [[organism]]s as well as [[faeces|faecal]] material. Detritus is typically colonized by communities of [[fungi]] and [[microorganism]]s which act to [[decomposition|decompose]] (break down) the material. In terrestrial [[ecosystem]]s, [[leaf]] [[litter]] and other organic matter gets mixed with [[soil]]. The result is called [[humus]]. Detritus of [[aquatic]] [[ecosystems]] is organic material suspended in [[water]], which is sometimes referred to as [[marine snow]]. Marine snow is the basis of much life on the ocean floor. It is the food of animals which operate as 'filter-feeders'. {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Biology]]