Question

Plants in general occupy the first level in a food chain, but in certain other type of food chain they occupy the second trophic level. Justify this statement and represent that type of food chain. (2 marks)

Answer 1

Dear student,
Plant usually occupy the first trophic level in a food chain but in case of insectivorous plants, they occupy third trophic level because they feed on insects which occupy the second trophic level and insects feed on primary producer which is the first trophic level. In case of cuscuta which is a parasitic plant occupies second trophic level and feeds on primary producer like plants. Therefore cuscuta is a plant which occupies second trophic level.

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