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

The organisms which consume ready made food prepared by plants are called

  1. autotrophs

  2. heterotrophs

  3. chemoautotrophs

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

Autotrophs are the living organisms, which make their own food by using inorganic raw materials. Heterotrophs are the organisms which depend on autotrophs for their nutrition requirements. Other organisms which use chemical energy are called chemoautotrophs. Host is that organism in/on the body of which another organism/parasite lives and draws its nutrition. 

Multiple choice

Nocturnal animals are

  1. the organisms which can prepare their own food

  2. the animals which remain active during day

  3. the animals which remain active during night and feed during night

  4. heterotrophs

  5. xerophytes
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The animals which remain active during night and feed during night are nocturnal animals.

Multiple choice

Which of the following correctly defines saprophytic organism?

  1. Organism that feeds on green plants

  2. Organism that feeds on dead and decaying matter

  3. Organism that feeds on fruits only

  4. Organism that feeds on insects and worms
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Saprophytic organisms obtain nutrition by feeding on dead and decaying organic matter. They play a crucial role in decomposition and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Option B correctly identifies this mode of nutrition, while other options describe different feeding strategies (herbivory, frugivory, carnivory).

Multiple choice

Keystone species are those which

  1. are connected to a disproportionately large number of other species in the food web
  2. have lower levels of biomass in the trophic pyramid relative to the importance of their role

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

A keystone species is a species that is connected to a disproportionately large number of other species in the food web. Keystone species have lower levels of biomass in the trophic pyramid relative to the importance of their role. 

Multiple choice

Why can't animals make food from carbon dioxide, water and minerals as plants do?

  1. Because animals move from one place to another.

  2. Because animals eat flesh and plants to live.

  3. Because animals don't have chloroplast like plants.

  4. Because animals cannot take in water and carbon dioxide.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Yes, it is correct. Plants have chloroplasts in which a green pigment, chlorophyll is present. It helps plants to capture the energy of sunlight.

Multiple choice

Which of the following statements is appropriate for herbivores?

  1. Herbivores are secondary producers.

  2. Herbivores are primary consumers.

  3. Herbivores are primary producers and secondary consumers.

  4. Herbivores are primary producers.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Herbivores are primary consumers because they eat plants (producers). They are not producers themselves - they cannot photosynthesize.