Question

Short / Long Answer Type Questions :
Write short notes on
(a) Food chain (b) Ecological pyramids (c) Food web (d) Niche

Answer 1

a) Food chain- A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another. In a food chain, each organism occupies a different trophic level, defined by how many energy transfers separate it from the basic input of the chain.

b) Ecological pyramids - An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the relationship between the different living organisms at different trophic levels. It can be observed that these pyramids are in the shape of actual pyramids with the base being the broadest, which is covered by the lowest trophic level, i.e., producers. The next level is occupied by the next trophic level, i.e., the primary consumers and so on.

c) Food web - A food web (or food cycle) is a natural interconnection of food chains and a graphical representation (usually an image) of what-eats-what in an ecological community. Another name for the food web is a consumer-resource system.

D) Niche - The specific area where an organism inhabits. (ecology) The role or function of an organism or species in an ecosystem. (ecology) The interrelationship of a species with all the biotic and abiotic factors affecting it. (general) A cavity, hollow, or recess, especially in a wall.