What do centipedes primarily eat?

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Centipedes primarily eat insects, making this the correct answer. They are predatory arthropods that hunt and feed on a variety of small invertebrates, primarily targeting insects such as ants, cockroaches, and beetles. This diet is supported by their physical adaptations; centipedes possess specialized mouthparts and venomous claws called forcipules that allow them to capture and subdue their prey effectively.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the natural dietary habits of centipedes. Decomposing plants and fungi are more likely to be consumed by detritivores or decomposers, which are organisms that feed on dead organic matter. Human blood is not a food source for centipedes; such a diet is typical of parasites or blood-feeding organisms, like mosquitoes or certain types of worms. Thus, the focus on insects as a food source highlights the centipede's role in the ecosystem as a predator, helping to control insect populations.

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