Question

Which is incorrect about a small pond ecosystem?

• A. All the four basic components of an ecosystem are well exhibited.
• B. This ecosystem performs all the functions of any ecosystem except the unidirectional flow of energy
• C. This is a fairly self-sustainable unit.
• D. The abiotic component is the water with all the dissolved organic and inorganic substances and the rich soil deposit at the bottom of the pond.

Answer 1

The correct option is B This ecosystem performs all the functions of any ecosystem except the unidirectional flow of energy

Option A
A small pond ecosystem is composed of biotic factors such as producers (phytoplankton, aquatic plants), consumers (zooplankton, small fishes, big fishes, insects, crustaceans, etc), and decomposers (algae, fungi, etc).
It also consists of abiotic factors such as light, water, dissolved gases, organic compounds, and minerals.
It is a fairly sustainable unit because the biotic and abiotic components interact to make it self-sustaining.
Thus, the statement in option A is correct.

Option B
A pond ecosystem exhibits all four basic functions of the ecosystem i.e. productivity, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and energy flow.
Thus, the statement in option B is correct.

Option C
The abiotic components of a pond ecosystem include light, water, dissolved gases, organic compounds, inorganic minerals, and the rich soil deposit at the bottom of the pond.
Thus, the statement in option C is correct.

Option D
A pond ecosystem exhibits all four basic functions of the ecosystem i.e. productivity, decomposition, nutrient cycling, and energy flow.
Energy flow in a pond ecosystem is unidirectional, i.e, it flows from producers to consumers and then to decomposers.
Thus, the statement in option D is incorrect.

Final answer
(D) This ecosystem performs all the functions of any ecosystem except the unidirectional flow of energy