Question

Which one of the following has the largest population in a food chain?
(a) Producers
(b) Primary consumers
(c) Secondary consumers
(d) Decomposers

Answer 1

The correct option is option (d):

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Decomposers are an integral part of food chain and it is the largest population in food chain.
2. The main function of decomposers is feeding on dead and decaying matter and converting the complex molecules into simpler molecules.
3. Decomposers involve many types of microorganisms like fungi, bacteria etc.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option (a):

Producers produce food by the process called photosynthesis. It is the first trophic level of food chain. Plants are producers.

Option (b):

Primary consumers are those organisms which feeds on producers. mainly primary consumers are herbivores.

Option (c):

Secondary consumers are carnivores which feed on the primary consumers.

Final answer: Decomposers are the largest population in a food chain.