Scavenging is both a
carnivorous and a
herbivorous feeding behavior in which the scavenger feeds on dead animal and plant material present in its habitat. The eating of carrion from the same species is referred to as
cannibalism. Scavengers play an important role in the
ecosystem by consuming the dead animal and plant material.
Decomposers and
detritivores complete this process, by consuming the remains left by scavengers.