In biology, detritus is non-living particulate organic material (as opposed to dissolved organic material). It typically includes the bodies of dead organisms or fragments of organisms or fecal material. Detritus is normally colonized by communities of microorganisms which act to decompose (or remineralize) the material. In terrestrial ecosystems, the term refers to litter on the soil surface as well as organic matter intermixed with soil. In aquatic ecosystems, the term refers to organic mater… (More on Detritus)