Biology ยท Environmental Studies
Ecosystem Nutrition and Energy Flow
1,235 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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alligator
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primary producers
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deer
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decomposers
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alligator, moorhen, plants
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plants, deer, bobcat
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plants, pig frog, bobcat
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all the above
B
Correct answer
Explanation
A food chain represents a linear sequence of organisms where nutrients and energy are transferred from one to another. Option B correctly identifies a producer (plants) being eaten by a primary consumer (deer), which is then eaten by a secondary consumer (bobcat).
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primary producers
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breaking down organisms
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energy flow
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where the animals go
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In food webs and food chains, arrows are used to indicate the direction of energy transfer from the organism being eaten to the organism that consumes it.
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carnivores
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herbivores
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omnivores
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detrivores
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Humans are biologically adapted to consume both plant and animal matter, which classifies them as omnivores.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
According to the 10% rule in ecology, only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is passed to the next. Therefore, approximately 90% of the energy is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes.
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primary succession
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secondary succession
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tertiary succession
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climax community
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Primary succession occurs in an area where no soil exists, such as on bare rock left by a landslide or retreating glacier. Secondary succession occurs where soil is already present.
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legumes
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decomposers
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nutrients
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fertilizers
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Nutrients are chemical substances that an organism needs to sustain life, grow, and reproduce. Examples include nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon.
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from Sun to grass
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from grass to insect
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from insect to frog
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from snake to hawk
B
Correct answer
Explanation
A producer (grass) is consumed by a primary consumer (insect), representing the transfer of energy from the first trophic level to the second.
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Plants
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Animals
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Water
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Insects
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Animals obtain energy by consuming organic matter (plants or other animals). Water is essential for life but does not provide caloric energy.
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Commensalism
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Mutualism
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Parasitism
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Organism
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both participating organisms benefit. In this case, the bee gets nectar for food, and the flower gets its pollen spread.
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Grasshopper
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Plant
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Snake
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Fungi
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic material. Fungi are primary examples of decomposers in an ecosystem.
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The mouse gets its energy from the owl
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The mouse gets its energy from plant and grasshopper
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The mouse's energy goes into the plant
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The mouse's energy goes into the toad
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Organisms
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Herbivores
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Carnivores
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Omnivores
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Omnivores are organisms that have a diet consisting of both plant and animal matter. Herbivores eat only plants, and carnivores eat only meat.
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Organisms
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Herbivores
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Carnivores
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Omnivores
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Carnivores are organisms that primarily consume the flesh or meat of other animals. They are secondary or tertiary consumers in a food chain.
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Organisms
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Herbivores
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Carnivores
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Omnivores
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Herbivores are animals that are adapted to eat plants. They function as primary consumers in an ecosystem.