Detritus facts for kids

Detritus is a word used in biology to describe tiny pieces of non-living material that come from living things. It often includes parts of dead organisms, like plants or animals, and also poop.

Detritus is super important because it's usually covered by tiny living things like fungi and other microorganisms. These tiny helpers work to break down the detritus. This process is called decomposition, and it helps recycle nutrients back into the environment.

Detritus on Land

In places like forests and gardens, detritus is often made of leaf litter and other dead plant parts. This organic material mixes with the soil. When it breaks down, it forms a rich, dark substance called humus. Humus is very good for plants because it helps the soil hold water and nutrients.

For example, if you walk through a forest, you'll see a layer of dead leaves, twigs, and cones on the ground. This is detritus. Over time, it breaks down and becomes part of the soil, feeding new plants.

Detritus in Water

In aquatic ecosystems, like oceans, lakes, and rivers, detritus is organic material floating in the water. In the ocean, this floating detritus is sometimes called marine snow. It looks a bit like snow falling through the water.

Marine snow is a very important food source for many animals that live deep in the ocean. These animals are often 'filter-feeders,' meaning they filter the water to catch these tiny bits of detritus for their food. Without marine snow, much of the life on the ocean floor would not be able to survive.

Images for kids

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  Horse feces and hay are forms of detritus, and are used as manure.

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  Sequoiadendron giganteum (giant sequoia) cones and foliage, sugar pine and white fir foliage, and other plant litter constitute the duff layer that covers the ground of Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park, United States.

See also

In Spanish: Detrito para niños