Biology · 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

Multiple choice evs - i interdependence in our environment meaning of environment significance of biodiversity habitat and adaptation

An earthworm's niche is described by the statement that

  1. Earthworms are decomposers who live in the soil.

  2. Earthworms eat decaying organic matter.

  3. Earthworms are usually found living in the soil.

  4. Earthworms are used as food by some birds.

  5. Earthworms help the soil by aerating it.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Niche refers to the totality of an organism’s adaptations, its mode of use of available resources, and the lifestyle in its community. It includes the mode of consumption of materials in its environment as well as its interactions with other organisms. Habitat portion of earthworm's fundamental niche refers to the soil while its role as decomposer is the realized niche. Thus, the correct answer is A.

Multiple choice zoology meaning of life level of biological organization in animals introduction to tissues basics of ecology

Which of the following types of organisms occupies more than one trophic level in a pond ecosystem?

  1. Phytoplankton

  2. Fish

  3. Zooplankton

  4. Frog
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In an aquatic ecosystem, fishes can consume phytoplanktons and other producers. In such a system, fishes will be primary carnivores or primary consumers or herbivores as compared to the grazing food chain. Some bigger fishes can consume smaller fishes. In this case, bigger fishes will act as secondary consumers or secondary carnivores feeding on primary carnivores. Thus, fishes can occupy more than one trophic levels. Phytoplanktons will always be producers and zooplanktons will always be primary consumers. The frog will always act as secondary consumer feeding on primary consumers i.e., insects. Thus, the correct answer is option B.

Multiple choice

A ________ is usually necessary when feeding Dairy Cows TMR rations.

  1. Mixer box on a truck or trailer

  2. Vertical concentrate bin

  3. Feed trough or bunk feeder in milk barn

  4. Auger system in parlor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

A Total Mixed Ration (TMR) requires a mechanical mixer (truck or trailer mounted) to ensure that all ingredients are blended uniformly so the cow cannot sort the feed.

Multiple choice

What type of animals only eat plants?

  1. Omnivores

  2. Herbivores

  3. Carnivores
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Herbivores are animals that are anatomically and physiologically adapted to eat plant-based foods. Carnivores eat meat, and omnivores eat both.

Multiple choice evs insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

Which of the following belongs to the category of primary consumers?

  1. Snakes

  2. Water insects

  3. Eagle

  4. Cattle
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The consumers in an ecosystem are heterotrophs, mostly animals which feed on other organisms. Consumers are also called as phagotrophs, as they ingest food. Consumers can be first order consumers, e.g., herbivores, cattle, rabbit, deer, insects like grasshopper etc. They feed on producers. Primary carnivores are second order consumers. They feed on herbivores. Secondary carnivores are third order consumers which feed on primary carnivores. For example, Small fish and water insects like scavenger beetles that feed on the crustaceans. 

Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice evs insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

Trophic levels are formed by

  1. Organisms linked in food chain

  2. Only plants

  3. Only animals

  4. Only carnivores
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Food chain is the sequence of organisms through which food and energy is passed in an ecosystem with the members of trophic level. Trophic level is the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem which consists organism

Multiple choice evs insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

If bamboo plant is growing in a far forest then what will be its trophic level?

  1. First

  2. Second

  3. Third

  4. Fourth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Trophic levels are steps or divisions of food chain characterised by the specific method of obtaining food. Producers belong to first trophic level, herbivores to second trophic level and carnivores to third trophic level. Bamboo plant, which is a producer will belong to first trophic level. It will capture solar energy for other organisms living in the forest. Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Multiple choice evs insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

The zooplanktonic forms are

  1. Primary consumers

  2. Secondary consumers

  3. Carnivores

  4. Primary producers
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In a pond or lake ecosystem, zooplanktons (ciliates, flagellates, rotifers, small crustaceans, like Cyclops and Daphnia larvae) are directly dependent on phytoplanktons. Thus, the correct answer is option A.

Multiple choice evs insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

A rat feeding upon potato tuber is

  1. Producer

  2. Carnivore

  3. Decomposer

  4. Primary consumer
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Rat is a herbivore animal, who used to eat plant products. The potato plant is a producer who trap solar energy and produces food (carbohydrates), which are stored in potato tubers. The rat cannot produces their own food by the use of solar energy and hence, feeds on potato tuber for his life processes.

Thus, the correct answer is option D.

Multiple choice evs insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

Trophic levels in a food chain are formed by

  1. Producers

  2. Consumers

  3. Decomposers

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation
A food chain is series of plants/animals which are interrelated in the form of organism being eaten as food by the other. Trophic levels in a food chain are formed by producers, consumers and decomposers. In the given food chain, plants are producers. The animals eating plants are called as primary consumers and animals eating primary consumers are called as secondary consumers. Decomposers are those which decomposes the waster organic matter and release energy back in the environment.
Thus, the correct answer is 'All of the above.'
Multiple choice evs - i insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

Food web is constituted by

  1. Various interlinked food chains in a community

  2. Relationship between animals and plants

  3. Relationship between organisms and their environment

  4. Relationship between animals, plants and microbes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
A food chain is series of plants/animals which are interrelated in the form of organism being eaten as food by the other. Food web is constituted by various interlinked and interdependent food chains in a community. It is also called as consumer-resource system. Ecosystem consists of living organisms and their abiotic environment. 
Thus, the correct answer is 'Various interlinked food chains in a community.'
Multiple choice evs insectivorous plants meaning of an ecosystem food chain and food web components of environment and their interdependencies

A food chain can have trophic levels

  1. Three or four

  2. Three

  3. Two

  4. One
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Food chain in an ecosystem is defined as the passage of food from one trophic level to the next higher trophic level. The transfer of food from one trophic level to the next level results in the passage of energy through these trophic levels. A food chain can have 3 or 4 trophic levels. Plants are producers which are present in first trophic level. Primary consumers are second trophic levels which eat plants. They are herbivores. Secondary consumer are present make third trophic level. They eat primary consumers and are carnivores. Tertiary or top consumer make fourth trophic level. They are carnivores

Thus, the correct answer is 'Three or four.'