Write a note on detritus food chain. Give its significance in a terrestrial ecosystem.

DFC:

The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter such as leafy litter, bodies of dead organisms, etc. It comprises decomposers which are heterotrophic organisms mainly the fungi and bacteria. Decomposers meet energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. Decomposers are also known as saprotrophs. They secrete digestive enzymes that breakdown substances. Examples:

• Detritus$\to$Earthworms$\to$Frogs$\to$Snakes
• Dead animals$\to$Flies and maggots$\to$Frogs$\to$Snakes

Significance of DFC:

• In a terrestrial ecosystem, a much larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain than through the GFC.
• DFC may be connected with the GFC at some levels. Some of the organisms of DFC may form the prey of the GFC animals.
• Example: The earth worms of DFC may become the food of the birds of GFC.