Detritus food chain is a type of food chain which begins with dead organic matter which is an important source of energy. A large amount of organic matter is derived from the dead plants, animals and their excreta. This type of food chain is present in all ecosystems. The transfer of energy from the dead organic matter, is transferred through a series of organisms called detritus consumers (detritivores)- small carnivores – large (top) carnivores with repeated eating and being eaten respectively. This is called the detritus food chain.
