Talk:Saprotroph

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Hi- can anyone explain the difference between a detritivore and a saprophore? Seems to be describing the same thing =).

I removed the reference to Monotropes because it appears to be incorrect. It states that Monotropes are known to be parasites on other plants. As I understand it, monotropes are not necesarily parasites, as some feed off off oragnic material in the soil rather than other living plants. Sheldrake 22:29, 12 August 2005 (UTC)

Sorry I never addressed this. Quite simply, your understanding is wrong - there is no plant that breaks down soil organic matter as a food supply. Its quite simply physiologically impossible for plants to do this. Monotropes and other so-called "saprophytic" plants are myco-heterotrophs. Peter G Werner 07:45, 4 June 2006 (UTC)