Question

What would happen to all the energy fixed by autotrophic organisms if the community has no animals to eat the plants?

Answer 1

Autotrophs like the plants and phytoplankton trap solar energy converting it into chemical energy. They form the first level of the food chain.

If animals are absent then the following may happen:-

• Overgrowth of plants leading to increased competition and finally extinction of the species.
• Plants depend upon animals for pollination and seed dispersal. This will not happen if animals are absent leading to lack of species diversity and a reduction in the reproductive ability of the plants.