Originally meaning "street sweeper", the word scavenger is also used for animals that consume already dead organic life-forms. Scavengers are useful to the ecosystem by feeding on and therefore breaking down dead animal and plant remains. The remains that are left behind by the scavengers are then used even further by decomposers.

Well known scavengers include vultures, burying beetles, blowflies, and raccoons. Many large carnivores that hunt regularly will scavenge if given the chance, such as hyenas and lions.

See also

• Carnivore
• Detritivore
• Decomposer