Question

Which of the following is incorrect with respect to the detritus food chain?

• A. Primary source of energy is the sun
• B. It is composed of detritus-eating organisms
• C. In tropical rainforests more energy flows into this chain
• D. They produce nutrients for autotrophs

Answer 1

The correct option is A Primary source of energy is the sun

The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter. It is made up of decomposers which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus into simple organic compounds, and inorganic molecules that are released into soil, these molecules are specifically reused by plants or autotrophs. In forests like tropical rain forest the amount of detritus formed is huge when compared to other ecosystems because of the large number of trees and animal species in these forests.