Question

With reference to aquatic ecosystems, which of the following pairs are correctly matched?
1. Autotrophs - Zooplankton
2. Consumers - Phytoplankton
3. Decomposers - Fungi

• A. Only 3
• B. Only 2 and 3
• C. Only 2
• D. Only 1 and 3

Answer 1

The correct option is A Only 3

The aquatic ecosystem, as small as a pond, performs all the functions of any ecosystem and of the biosphere as a whole.

Any ecosystem has abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components.

The biotic components include the producers (autotrophic components), consumers and decomposers.

The autotrophic components include the phytoplankton, some algae, floating, submerged and marginal plants found at the edges which are able to utilise the sunlight and synthesise their own food.

The consumers are represented by the zooplankton, the free-swimming forms and the bottom dwelling forms.

The decomposers are organisms like fungi and bacteria, abundant at the bottom of the pond and feed on dead and decaying organic material.

Hence, only 3 is correctly matched.