Question

Which one of the following is a wrong statement?

• A. Accumulation of toxic substances increases from lower trophic to higher trophic levels.
• B. Energy reduces as it flows from producer to consumer.
• C. Energy reduces as it moves from lower trophic to higher trophic levels.
• D. Energy content will be high in carnivores than herbivores in a food chain.

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Energy content will be high in carnivores than herbivores in a food chain.

The correct answer is C.

Explanation for correct option:

1. If we consider the pyramid of energy, it is always upright in which producers(plants) are present at the base or lowest trophic level which is followed by primary(herbivore), secondary(carnivore) and finally tertiary consumers(carnivore).
2. The solar energy is maximum absorbed by the plants which produce the highest energy and then only 10% of energy is transferred to the further trophic level.
3. The tertiary consumers get the least amount of energy as compared to the primary consumers.
4. Thus, energy content will be least in carnivores than herbivores in a food chain.

Explanation for incorrect options:

Option A:

1. As we move towards the higher trophic level in a food chain, the amount of toxic substances increases.

Option B:

1. Only 10% of energy is transferred from producers to the consumers so, the energy reduces as it flows from producer to consumer.

Option C:

1. Energy is transferred from the lower trophic level to the higher and during this, the energy decreases as it flows in higher trophic level.

Final answer: Energy content will be high in carnivores than herbivores in a food chain is the wrong statement.