Scavengers vs. Decomposers: What's the Difference?

[vanmaiden]

Homework Statement

Would a scavenger be considered a decomposer? What is the difference between the two?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

My book is kind of equivocal on this matter. It does not mention scavengers but talks about differing types of decomposers (saprotrophs and detritivores).

 

[NascentOxygen]

It's a good question, in that it provides grounds for thought. I wouldn't say a S can be a D. S may compete with D, e.g., a fox eating a decaying roadkill rabbit; crocodiles eating a decaying drowned buffalo; sharks feeding on a rotting whale carcass.

S's seem to be higher order consumers, whereas D's are smaller organisms such as worms, termites, bacteria and fungi. I seem to recall that D's break down complex organic matter into smaller molecules that plants can use directly, e.g., worm wee. A fox's manure has to be broken down further, regardless whether it has been feeding off fresh rabbit or decaying rabbit. I'd think of a beach crab as a S, whereas a beach worm would, I think, be a D.

This is just off the top of my head. If you want a good textbook answer, better consult a good textbook.