Question

Name the type of food chains responsible for the flow of larger fraction of energy in an aquatic and a terrestrial ecosystem respectively. Mention one difference between the two food chains.

Answer 1

The food chain responsible for the flow of larger fraction of energy in aquatic ecosystem is Grazing Food Chain (GFC) while for terrestrial ecosystem is Detritus Food Chain (DFC).

Difference between Grazing Food Chain (GFC) and Detritus Food Chain (DFC) is:

• GFC begins with the producers as first trophic level whereas DFC begins with detritivores and decomposers as first trophic level.
• In GFC, energy comes from the sun whereas in DFC, energy comes from detritus or organic remains.
• GFC is generally large i.e. consists of more trophic levels than DFC.