Question

The food chain in which microorganisms break down the energy rich compounds synthesised by producers is

• A. Detritus food chain
• B. Predator food chain
• C. Consumer food chain
• D. Parasitic food chain

Answer 1

The correct option is A Detritus food chain

Detritus is particles of non-living organic materials, like dead leaves, animals and animal droppings on a forest floor. It can also refer to particles of rock worn away from larger formations by erosion. Microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) break down detritus, and this microorganism-rich material is eaten by invertebrates, which are in turn eaten by vertebrates. Many freshwater streams have detritus rather than living plants as their energy base. This completes the food chain based on detritus.