Ecology

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option c

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter (detritus) from plants and animals. This organic matter is decomposed by microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), and then detritivores (such as earthworms, insects, and crabs) feed on it. The energy then flows to higher trophic levels like carnivores.

Statement 2 is correct: The grazing food chain is the major conduit for energy flow compared to the detritus food chain in the aquatic ecosystems. In aquatic ecosystems, the grazing food chain (GFC) which starts with phytoplankton (primary producers) being consumed by herbivorous zooplankton and then by carnivores is the dominant pathway of energy flow. This is because aquatic primary producers are mostly microscopic and get consumed quickly by herbivores, making GFC more significant in energy transfer.

However, in terrestrial ecosystems, the detritus food chain plays a more important role.