What do you call an organism that feeds on dying organisms?

The term that describes an organism that feeds on dying or decaying organic matter is "decomposer." Decomposers play a crucial role in ecosystems by breaking down dead material, such as plants and animals, into simpler substances. This process not only recycles nutrients back into the environment but also helps maintain the balance of ecosystems by preventing the accumulation of waste.

Decomposers, which include fungi, bacteria, and certain worms, are essential for nutrient cycling. By breaking down dead organic matter, they release nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus back into the soil, where they can be taken up by producers such as plants, supporting the growth of new life.

In contrast, omnivores consume both plant and animal matter, producers create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, and consumers typically refer to organisms that eat other living organisms. Thus, the specific function and ecological role of decomposers in recycling nutrients and breaking down organic material highlight why this term is the correct choice for the question about organisms that feed on dying organisms.