Question

Which of the following require maximum energy?

• A. Secondary consumers
• B. Decomposer
• C. Primary consumers
• D. Primary producers

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Primary producers

The correct option is D.

Explanation for correct option:

1. Primary producer requires maximum energy in a food chain.
2. Flow of energy decreases as it passes from lower to higher trophic level
3. .The energy also decreases from one trophic level to the other trophic level because some amount of energy is lost as heat during the transfer of energy.
4. So the organisms present in the first trophic level will require maximum energy and the primary producers are known to occupy the first trophic level in a food chain.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A

1. Secondary consumers are those organisms that eat primary consumers for energy
2. Secondary consumers are either carnivores or omnivores. Carnivores feed upon animals while Omniverse can feed on both plants and animals.
3. They require comparatively less energy than primary consumers.

Option B

1. Decomposers are the organisms that break down dead and organic matter
2. They form the final link in the food chain. Fungi and bacteria are the two decomposers in a food chain.
3. They require the least energy in the food chain.

Option C

1. Primary consumers are those organisms that feed upon producers for nutrition.
2. They are usually plant-eating animals called herbivores.
3. They require lesser energy then primary producer in a food chain.

Final answer: Primary producer require maximum energy.