Question

In a ecosystem, the population of
(a) primary producers are larger than primary consumers
(b) tertiary consumers are least dependant upon primary producers
(c) secondary consumers out numbers the tertiary consumers
(d) primary consumers out numbers primary producers

Choose the option which mentions the correct statements:

• A. a, b, and c
• B. b, c, and d
• C. a, c, and d
• D. a, b, c, and d

Answer 1

The correct option is A a, b, and c

Ecosystem is formed by the interaction of biotic and abiotic components present in the environment. The interaction between biotic and abiotic components is so specific that it forms a clear flow of energy through different trophic levels and at the end recycling of nutrients. Since ecosystems are self-sustained any change in the biotic composition will affect the structure and function of that ecosystem.

In the above question statement a, b, and c are correct as in any ecosystem food availability is the main factor, so as we move from one trophic level to next in a food chain the number of organisms generally decreases. Thus primary producers outnumber the primary consumers which in turn outnumber secondary consumers and secondary consumers outnumber the tertiary consumers. The tertiary consumers are carnivorous and dependent on primary consumers and indirectly on producers thus they are least dependent on producers.