Biology · 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

Multiple choice zoology energy flow in an ecosystem the energy pyramid ecological pyramid ecological pyramids

According to Charles Elton, which is not correct?

  1. Carnivores are at the top of the pyramid.

  2. Energy trapping is high at the top of the pyramid.

  3. Producers at the top of the pyramid.

  4. Both B and C.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Correct answer-(D)

Charles Elton, an English biologist, developed the idea of ecological pyramids. These pyramids are therefore also termed as Eltonian pyramids. An ecological pyramid may be defined as a graphic representation of the numbers or biomass or status of accumulated energy at different trophic levels in a food chain in an ecosystem. The Eltonian pyramid is a concept which relates to food consumption efficiency. According to Charles Elton, carnivores are at the top of the pyramid. Producers are at the bottom of the pyramid. They manufacture food and provide nutrition for the next level. Energy trapping is high at the base of the pyramid, i.e., producer level. The energy is highest at the producer level as it traps energy from the sun. It gradually decreases as one moves to subsequent levels, i.e. herbivores and different carnivores.

Multiple choice zoology energy flow in an ecosystem the energy pyramid ecological pyramid ecological pyramids

Choose the correct answers from the alternatives given :
One of the lessons from an energy pyramid is that

  1. only one-half of the energy in one trophic level is passed on to the next level

  2. the energy lost as heat or in cellular respiration is 10% of the available energy of each trophic level

  3. ecological efficiency is highest for primary consumers

  4. eating grain-fed beef is an inefficient means of obtaining the energy trapped by photosynthesis
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

An energy pyramid is the graphical representation of energy flow in a particular community. The different trophic levels represent a different group of animals. Here only ten percent of the energy is passed on to the next trophic level. As the organism of one trophic level is consumed by the organism of the next trophic level, energy decreases as it goes up the trophic level. So, the correct answer is "eating grain-fed beef is an inefficient means of obtaining the energy trapped by photosynthesis".

Multiple choice zoology energy flow in an ecosystem the energy pyramid ecological pyramid ecological pyramids

The graphic presentation of various aspects of ecosystems are in the form of pyramids. When such a presentation is made with reference to energy at different trophic levels, it will make

  1. An erect pyramid

  2. An inverted pyramid

  3. A cylinder

  4. A pyramid of variable shape
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation
The pyramidal representation of trophic levels of different organisms based on their ecological position [producer to final consumer] is called as an ecological pyramid. The food producer forms the base of the pyramid and the top carnivore forms the tip. An energy pyramid represents the amount of energy at each trophic level and loss of energy at each transfer to another trophic level. Hence the pyramid is always upward, with a large energy base at the bottom.
So the correct option is 'an erect pyramid'.
Multiple choice zoology energy flow in an ecosystem the energy pyramid ecological pyramid ecological pyramids

Which one of the following statements for pyramid of energy is incorrect, whereas the remaining three are correct?

  1. It is upright in shape.

  2. Its base is broad.

  3. It shows energy content of different trophic level organisms.

  4. It is inverted in shape.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Pyramid of energy is always upright and can never be inverted, because when energy flows from a trophic level to the next trophic level some energy is always lost as heat at each step. 

Multiple choice zoology energy flow in an ecosystem the energy pyramid ecological pyramid ecological pyramids

In a food chain, if the grasses produce 1000 kcal of energy, how many kcal are theoretically available to the frogs?

  1. 1000

  2. 100

  3. 10

  4. 1

  5. 0.5
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

When energy is passed in an ecosystem from one trophic level to the next, only ten percent (10%) of the energy will be passed on. We can consider a typical food chain in the environment. It can be written as follows. Sun -----> Green Plants -----> Insects -----> Frogs -----> Snakes. The sun provides the energy that is used by the green plants. The green plants are the primary producers for the food chain. The energy from the sun is converted by the plants into food. The insects are the primary consumers. They are the first animals to eat the plants. When they eat the plants and obtain some of the energy (10%) they stored when making food. The rest of the energy is lost and dissipated as heat. Insects are eaten by frogs. The frogs are the secondary consumers in this food chain. They obtain part of the energy stored by the insects. The remaining energy stored by the insects is lost. Thus, the correct answer is option C.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is a common method for finding food in the wilderness?

  1. Hunting

  2. Fishing

  3. Foraging

  4. Trapping
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Foraging involves searching for edible plants, fruits, and nuts in the wild. It is a common method for obtaining food in survival situations.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the unique adaptations that polar organisms have developed to survive in extreme cold and harsh conditions?

  1. Polar Adaptations

  2. Cryobiology

  3. Hibernation

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

Polar Adaptations refers to the unique adaptations that polar organisms have developed to survive in extreme cold and harsh conditions, such as thick fur, blubber layers, and specialized metabolic processes.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is an example of a contributory cause?

  1. The presence of oxygen in the atmosphere

  2. The presence of water on Earth

  3. The presence of life on Earth

  4. The presence of humans on Earth
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The presence of water on Earth is a contributory cause for the existence of life on Earth, because water is essential for life.

Multiple choice

Which nutrient is often a limiting factor for primary productivity in marine ecosystems?

  1. Nitrogen

  2. Phosphorus

  3. Potassium

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

Iron is a crucial micronutrient for phytoplankton growth, and its availability can limit primary productivity in certain regions of the ocean.

Multiple choice

Which element is responsible for the formation of marine aerosols?

  1. Calcium

  2. Magnesium

  3. Sodium

  4. Potassium
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Sodium is a major component of marine aerosols, which are tiny particles of sea salt that are released into the atmosphere through wave action and wind.

Multiple choice

Which element is responsible for the formation of marine carbonates?

  1. Calcium

  2. Magnesium

  3. Sodium

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

Calcium is essential for the formation of marine carbonates, which are found in the shells of marine organisms and in marine sediments.

Multiple choice

What is the role of seagrass meadows in the carbon cycle?

  1. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

  2. They release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

  3. They have no role in the carbon cycle.

  4. They both absorb and release carbon dioxide.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Seagrass meadows both absorb and release carbon dioxide. They absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release carbon dioxide through respiration. However, they absorb more carbon dioxide than they release, so they are a net sink for carbon dioxide.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the practice of consuming food produced locally?

  1. Localvore

  2. Omnivore

  3. Carnivore

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

Localvore refers to an individual who primarily consumes food produced within a certain radius of their location.

Multiple choice

What is the diet of the Manticore?

  1. Humans

  2. Animals

  3. Plants

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Manticore is said to be a voracious eater and will consume anything it can find. This includes humans, animals, and even plants.

Multiple choice

What is the term used to describe the process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis?

  1. Carbon sequestration

  2. Carbon capture

  3. Carbon storage

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

Carbon sequestration refers to the process by which plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and store it in their tissues.