Detritivores breakdown the detritus and process is known as

Options

A. leaching
B. fragmentation
C. humification
D. mineralization

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the process by which detritivores break down detritus. Detritivores are organisms that feed on dead organic matter.

2. **Identifying the Options**: The options provided are:
- A) Leaching
- B) Fragmentation
- C) Humification
- D) Mineralization

3. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Leaching**: This refers to the process where soluble substances are washed out from the soil or other materials, not specifically related to the breakdown of detritus.
- **Fragmentation**: This is the process where larger pieces of organic matter are broken down into smaller pieces, which is a key function of detritivores like earthworms.
- **Humification**: This is the process of forming humus from decomposed organic matter, which occurs after fragmentation.
- **Mineralization**: This refers to the conversion of organic matter into inorganic substances, typically carried out by bacteria and fungi after fragmentation.

4. **Choosing the Correct Answer**: Since the question specifically asks for the breakdown of detritus by detritivores, the correct process is **Fragmentation**. This is because detritivores physically break down the detritus into smaller particles.

5. **Final Answer**: The process by which detritivores break down detritus is known as **Fragmentation**.

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