Question

Birds and fishes belong to trophic level

• A.
  T 1
• B.
  T 3
• C.
  T 4
• D.
  T 2

Answer 1

The correct option is B

T 3
Components of a food chain
The sequence of the energy flow in the ecosystem is studied in the form of a food chain with various trophic levels (nutritional status) and is as follows:- Producers (T1) → Primary consumers (T2) → Secondary consumers (T3)→ Tertiary consumers (T4)

T1
Producers are present in trophic level one (T1) of the food chain. They contain light-trapping pigments and thus perform photosynthesis. They are the starting point of the food chain. For example, plants. Birds and fishes do not belong to this trophic level.

T2
The primary consumers form the second level of the food chain (T2). Nutrients are passed to them from the producers as they feed on the plants or producers. Granivorous birds that eat grains or seeds do fall under this trophic level. Fishes do not fall under this trophic level as they do not feed on plants.

T3
The secondary consumer forms the third level of the food chain (T3), feeding on the primary consumers. Nutrients from the primary consumers are passed to them. Birds that are carnivorous and fishes are secondary consumers. Hence, they belong to the third trophic level (T3).

T4
The tertiary consumer is placed on trophic level 4 (T4) as these organisms feed on secondary consumers, deriving energy from them. Birds and fish do not belong to this trophic level

Final answer
c. T 3