Question

Distinguish between litter and detritus.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Litter	Detritus
(i)	It refers to fresh, undecomposed organic matter that has recently fallen onto the soil surface (e.g., fresh leaves, twigs, flowers).	It refers to the partially decomposed or fragmented dead organic matter mixed with soil or aquatic sediments.
(ii)	It represents the initial stage of the material before significant decomposition begins.	It is the active stage in which detritivores (such as earthworms) and decomposers break it down into humus.
(iii)	It undergoes decomposition over time.	It is already undergoing active decomposition.