Earthworms feed on fragmented plant remains and soil organic matter in an agricultural field. Ecologically, they are participating in which of the following pathways of energy flow?

Step-by-step solution

Earthworms feed on dead and decaying organic matter, such as fragmented plant remains and soil organic matter, which is known as detritus. Organisms that feed on detritus are called detritivores. By breaking down this organic matter, they play a crucial role in the detritus food chain, facilitating the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem. Therefore, earthworms participate in the detritus food chain as detritivores. Answer: Detritus food chain as detritivores