The dead organic matter of plant or animal is called as detritus. While a part of it remains on the soil surface as litter, the other part enters the soil. Many animals such as protozoans, nematodes, insects etc. depend on detritus and hence they are called as detritivores. Even the human being are detritivores when they eat cooked food. From detritus, the chain 490 proceeds to detritivores, then to carnivores and finally to top carnivores.