Detritivores, such as earthworms, feed on decomposing organic matter and help in nutrient recycling by breaking down dead and decaying plant and animal material.
Two important characteristics for estimating any population of animals and plants are \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\) and \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\) of individuals.
Demography is the study of factors that affect \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\) and \(\underline{\hspace{2cm}}\) patterns.