Environmental Science

Plants are producers because they create their own food through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Algae are photosynthetic organisms that produce their own food, classifying them as producers. Amoeba, fungi, and bacteria are generally consumers or decomposers.

Fungi and bacteria break down dead organic matter into simpler substances, which is the definition of decomposers.

Correct Answer: Plants

Parasites are organisms that live on or inside another living organism (the host) and derive nutrients at the host's expense.

Humus is the dark, organic material formed in soil from the partial decomposition of plant and animal matter.

Topsoil is the uppermost layer of soil, which contains the highest concentration of organic matter and nutrients necessary for plant growth.

Fossils are the preserved remains, impressions, or traces of ancient plants and animals found within rock layers.

Dust and particulate matter from factories are inhaled, which irritates the lungs and causes various respiratory problems like asthma or bronchitis.

Soil profiles are divided into horizons. The A horizon is topsoil, and the B horizon is known as the subsoil.

Capillary water is the water held in the soil pores against the force of gravity due to surface tension and adhesive forces.

Coral reefs are massive underwater structures built by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps that secrete calcium carbonate.

Agriculture accounts for the largest global consumption of freshwater, primarily for irrigation of crops.

The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth.

The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere where almost all weather phenomena, such as clouds, rain, and storms, occur.

Fly ash is a byproduct of burning coal in power plants; it consists of fine particles that rise with the flue gases.

Natural rubber is obtained from the milky white sap, known as latex, which is tapped from the bark of rubber trees.

Black soil, also known as regur soil, is widely found in the Deccan Plateau region, including large parts of Maharashtra.

Mountain soil is generally formed by the mechanical weathering of rocks and is rich in humus due to the accumulation of organic matter from forest vegetation.

A pedologist is a scientist who specializes in the study of soil, including its formation, classification, and mapping.

The ionosphere contains a high concentration of ions and free electrons, which reflects radio waves back to Earth, enabling long-distance communication.

Marine habitats are commonly categorized based on depth and proximity to land, with coastal, deep sea, and coral reefs being major divisions.

CFCs were historically used as refrigerants in refrigerators and air conditioners before being phased out due to their role in ozone depletion.