Decomposer vs. Saprophyte: What's the Difference?

An organism, often a bacterium or fungus, that feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter, thus making organic nutrients available to the ecosystem.

An organism, especially a fungus or bacterium, that derives its nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter. Also called saprobe.

(ecology) An organism, such as a bacterium or fungus, which carries out the process of decomposition of organic material.

Any organism that lives on dead organic matter, as certain fungi and bacteria

Any plant growing on decayed animal or vegetable matter, as most fungi and some flowering plants with no green color, as the Indian pipe.

An organism that feeds on dead organic matter especially a fungus or bacterium