Biology ยท Environmental Studies
Ecosystem Nutrition and Energy Flow
1,093 Questions
Ecosystem nutrition and energy flow questions cover trophic levels, food chains, and biodegradable materials. These concepts frequently appear in general science sections of major competitive exams. Review these questions to build a solid understanding of ecological interactions.
Trophic levels conceptFood chain orderAutotrophic nutritionEnergy assimilationScavengers and decomposers
Ecosystem Nutrition and Energy Flow Questions
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sanguivore
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coprophagus
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omnivore
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carnivore
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Coprophagy refers to the consumption of feces. Many animals, such as rabbits and various insects, engage in this behavior to recover nutrients that were not fully absorbed during the first passage through the digestive tract.
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Vegetarians
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Cannibals
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Gourmets
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Vegans
B
Correct answer
Explanation
'Anthropophagi' is derived from Greek meaning 'man-eaters' - literally people who eat humans, which is the definition of cannibals. The term appears in classical literature and horror contexts. Vegetarians, gourmets, and vegans all avoid human flesh as food.
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Carnivores
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Herbivores
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Omnivores
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Vegetarians
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Herbivores are animals that consume only plant material. Carnivores eat meat, omnivores eat both plants and animals, and 'vegetarian' is a dietary choice for humans, not a biological classification for animals.
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0% water
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50% bamboo
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10% water
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99% bamboo
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Giant pandas are highly specialized herbivores with bamboo comprising approximately 99% of their diet. They rarely eat anything else in the wild - occasionally small rodents or other vegetation, but bamboo is their primary and almost exclusive food source. They have evolved specialized adaptations to digest bamboo.
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Chimpanzees
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Pigs
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Ravens
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Snakes
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Omnivores consume both plant and animal matter. Chimpanzees, pigs, and ravens are all omnivores with varied diets. Snakes, however, are carnivores - they eat only other animals, making them the correct answer for 'not an omnivore'.
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Carnivores
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Herbivores
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Omnivores
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Vegetarians
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Herbivores are animals that exclusively consume plant material as their food source. They have specialized digestive systems adapted to break down cellulose found in plants. Examples include cows, deer, rabbits, and horses. This distinguishes them from carnivores (meat-eaters) and omnivores (both plants and animals). The term 'vegetarian' is used for humans, not animals.
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Spiders in their sleep
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Cockroaches in their sleep
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Ants in their sleep
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Mosquitoes in their sleep
A
Correct answer
Explanation
This is a widely circulated urban legend with no scientific basis. There is no evidence that people regularly eat spiders in their sleep. The myth likely originated from exaggeration and has been repeatedly debunked by arachnologists.
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Detrivores
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Animals that only eat plants.
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Herbivores
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Carnivores
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Herbivores are animals that eat only plants. They have specialized digestive systems to process plant material. Examples include cows, deer, rabbits, and elephants. Carnivores eat meat, detrivores feed on dead organic matter, and option B is just the question restated, not a term.
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Chemosynthesis
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Photosynthesis
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Organic synthesis
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Peptide synthesis
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy (usually from sunlight), carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. Chemosynthesis is used by some bacteria, not plants.
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Plants
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Other animals
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Both plant and animals
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Insects
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Herbivorous animals are those that naturally feed on plant material. Their digestive systems are adapted to break down cellulose and extract nutrients from leaves, stems, and other plant parts. They do not eat other animals or insects.
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Herbivores
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Omnivores
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Carnivores
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Ambivores
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Dogs are naturally omnivorous, meaning they can and do eat both plant material and animal protein. Their digestive systems can process vegetables, grains, and fruits alongside meat. While often classified as carnivores in some contexts, domestic dogs have evolved to digest plant-based foods well. Herbivores (A) eat only plants, carnivores (C) eat only meat, and 'ambivores' (D) is not a valid biological classification.
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Carnivores
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Herbivores
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Omnivores
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Vegetarians
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Herbivores are animals that consume only plant material. They have specialized digestive systems adapted to breaking down cellulose found in plants. Carnivores eat meat, omnivores eat both plants and animals, and 'vegetarian' is a dietary choice for humans, not a biological classification for animals.
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They require large amounts of fuel due to their size and highly active lifestyles
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They have inefficient digestive system and insufficient nutrients from their food source of choice (bamboo)
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They are commonly infected with intestinal parasites
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They are lazy gluttons
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Giant pandas have a carnivore's digestive system but eat almost exclusively bamboo, which is low in nutrients and hard to digest. They must consume enormous amounts (12-38 kg daily) to extract sufficient energy. Their inefficient digestion means they pass most of the bamboo undigested.
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Carnivores
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Herbivores
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Omnivores
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Vegetarians
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Herbivores are animals anatomically and physiologically adapted to eating plant material. Carnivores eat meat, and omnivores eat both. While 'Vegetarians' is a term used for humans choosing a plant-based diet, 'Herbivores' is the correct biological term for animals.
B
Correct answer
Explanation
While insects do consume significant portions of crops, 1/3 seems like an exaggeration. Realistic estimates vary but are generally lower than 33% globally. The statement is likely false, making B correct.