In biology,<unk>  is non-living particulate organic material (as opposed to dissolved organic material).  It typically includes the bodies of dead organisms or fragments of organisms or fecal material.<unk>  is normally colonized by communities of microorganisms which act to decompose (or remineralize) the material.
In terrestrial ecosystems, the term refers to litter on the soil surface as well as organic matter intermixed with soil.
In aquatic ecosystems, the term refers to organic material found suspended in water. Together with plankton,<unk>  is an important constituent of seston (materials in suspension), and may also accumulate at the base of a water column.
Detritus
Exudate
Ionic liquid
Floater
Thrombus
Biofilm
Speculum
Occult blood