384 Together with® Biology—12

12
Chapter
Ecosystem

Note: Ample Number of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) will help you prepare in CUET Examinations.

Topic covered
12.1. Ecosystem: Structure and Function
• Sir Arthur Tansley coined the term ecosystem.
• Ecosystems are classified into the following categories:
(a) Terrestrial ecosystems: e.g. Forests, grasslands, deserts, etc.
(b) Aquatic ecosystems: e.g. Ponds, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, oceans, etc.
• The components of ecosystems are as follows:
Ecosystem Components

Biotic Components Abiotic Components

(i) Air
Producers Consumers Decomposers (ii) Water
(iii) Solar Radiation
(iv) Temperature
Herbivores/Primary Primary carnivores/ Secondary carnivores/ (v) Soil (with its organic and
consumers Secondary consumers Tertiary consumers inorganic compounds

• The two important structural features of an ecosystem are:

(i) Species composition (ii) Stratification
• The major functions of any ecosystem are:
(i) Productivity (ii) Decomposition (iii) Energy flow (iv) Nutrient cycling

(a) Energy flow (b) Decomposition

Multiple Choice (c) Productivity (d) Stratification
Questions 1 Mark
Answers
1. Which of the following is an abiotic component of
an ecosystem? 1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (d)
(a) Bacteria (b) Humus
(c) Detritivores (d) Producers
2. Vertical distribution of different species occupying V S A Very Short Answer
different levels in an ecosystem, is called Type Questions 2 Marks
(a) species richness (b) ecotone 4. (a) What is an ecosystem?
(c) succession (d) stratification (b) What is meant by species composition in an
3. Which of the following is not a functional aspect of ecosystem?
an ecosystem?
 Ecosystem 385
Ans. (a) An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature, where Or
biotic components (living organisms) interact Taking a small pond as an example of an
among themselves and also with the abiotic ecosystem, list the four components of this
environmental or physical factors. ecosystem. How do these components function
(b) Species composition refers to all the plant, animal as a unit in a small pond?  [Delhi 2016C]
and microbial species present in a given ecosystem. Ans. (a) The four components of an ecosystem function as
5. (a) What is ‘stratification’ in an ecosystem? a unit in a pond in the following manner.
(b) How is ‘stratification’ represented in a forest (i) Productivity
ecosystem? [Delhi 2014] ⇒ The producers include phytoplanktons,
Ans. (a) ‘Stratification’ in an ecosystem refers to the vertical some algae and the floating, submerged
distribution of different species occupying different and marginal plants; they carry out
levels. photosynthesis and produce organic food
(b) In a forest, the trees occupy the upper/topmost and release oxygen.
vertical strata, the shrubs, the second and herbs, the (ii) Decomposition
bottom layers. ⇒ The decomposers are the fungi bacteria and
some flagellates, which are abundant at the
6. Mention the four aspects to be considered, when the
bottom of the pond.
components of an ecosystem function as a unit.
(iii) Energy flow
Ans. The functional aspects include:
⇒ There is unidirectional flow of energy as
(i) Productivity (ii) Decomposition
follows.
(iii) Energy flow (iv) Nutrient cycling
Producers → Zooplanktons → free-
swimming organisms (fish) → bottom
A Long Answer dewellers.
L Type Question 5 Marks (iv) Nutrient cycling
⇒ The organic matter produced by autotrophs
7. (a) Taking an example of a small pond, explain how
is consumed by consumers and the
the four components of an ecosystem function
decomposers carry out humification and
as a unit.
mineralisation of the dead organic matter
(b) Name the type of food chain that exists in a
for reuse by plants.
pond. [AI 2016]
(b) Grazing food chain operates in a pond.

Practice questions
8. Identify the odd one among the following. 9. (a) Name two man-made ecosystems.
(a) Grasslands (b) Estuaries (b) Mention the two structural aspects of an ecosystem.
(c) Crop fields (d) Wetlands

Topic covered
12.2. Productivity
• A constant input of solar energy is the basic requirement of any ecosystem to function and sustain.
• Primary productivity is expressed in terms of g–2yr–1 or (kcal m–2) yr–1.
• Primary productivity has two aspects:
(i) Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)
(ii) Net Primary Productivity (NPP)
• The annual net primary productivity of the whole biosphere is approximately 170 billion tons (dry weight) of organic
matter.
• Of this, the productivity of oceans is only 55 billion tons, while the rest is on land.
386 Together with® Biology—12
15. Write the relationship between productivity, gross
Multiple Choice productivity and secondary productivity.
Questions 1 Mark [AI 2019]
Or
10. The primary productivity in an ecosystem is How are productivity, gross primary productivity,
expressed as [Delhi 2023] net primary productivity and secondary productivity
(a) g–2 yr–1 (b) g–2 yr inter-related? [Delhi 2015]
(c) kcal m–2 yr–1 (d) kcal m–2 Ans. – Productivity refers to the rate of biomass production.
11. In the equation GPP – R = NPP, R represents. – Gross primary productivity is the rate of production
(a) radiant energy (b) retardation factor of organic matter during photosynthesis.
(c) environmental factor (d) respiratory losses. – Net primary productivity is the biomass available
12. The biomass available in plants for consumption by for consumption by herbivores and decomposers; it
herbivores and decomposers, is called is gross primary productivity minus the respiratory
(a) gross primary productivity losses, is net primary productivity, i.e., GPP – R
(b) net primary productivity = NPP.
(c) standing crop – Secondary productivity is the rate of formation of
(d) secondary productivity new organic matter by consumers; they depend on
13. The rate of formation of new organic matter by the net primary productivity as the source.
rabbit in a grassland ecosystem, is called
(a) net productivity A Short Answer
(b) secondary productivity S Type Question 3 Marks
(c) gross primary productivity
(d) net primary productivity 16. (a) What is primary productivity? Why does it vary
in different types of ecosystem?
(b) Why is the assimilation of energy at the
Answers herbivore level, called secondary productivity?
10. Both (a) and (c)  [Delhi 2014]
11. (d) Ans. (a) –Primary productivity is defined as the amount
12. (b) It is gross primary productivity minus the respiratory of biomass or organic matter produced per unit
losses. area over a time period, by the plants during
13. (b) It is formation of new organic matter by a consumer. photosynthesis.
– Primary productivity varies in different
V S A Very Short Answer ecosystems, as it depends on:
Type Questions 2 Marks (i) The plant species inhabiting a particular
area
14. (a) What is the approximate value of net primary (ii) The environmental factors.
productivity of the biosphere? (iii) Availability of nutrients.
(b) Mention the productivity of oceans. (iv) Photosynthetic capacity of plants.
Ans. (a) 170 billion tons (dry weight) of organic matter. (b) Herbivores are the primary consumers; the rate of
(b) 55 billion tons. assimilation or formation of new organic matter at
the consumer level is secondary productivity.

Practice questions
17. Which of the following ecosystems has maximum (c) is equal to the standing crop of an ecosystem.
productivity? (d) the rate of assimilation of energy by consumers.
(a) Grassland (b) Forest 19. Classify the following as primary producers and
(c) Desert (d) Ocean secondary producers:
18. Primary productivity is (a) Phytoplanktons (b) Deer
(a) the highest in freshwater ecosystems. (c) Zooplanktons (d) A pea plant
(b) the rate of conversion of light energy into chemical
energy by plants.
 Ecosystem 387

Topic covered
12.3. Decomposition
• Detritus is the raw material for decomposition. 24. How is humus formed? Mention any three
• Decomposition is largely an aerobic process, i.e. it characteristics of humus. [Delhi 2020]
requires oxygen. Ans. Humus is formed during decomposition of detritus
• The factors affecting decomposition are: by the action of bacterial and fungal enzymes, in the
(i) The chemical composition of detritus and process called humification.
(ii) The climatic factors. Characteristics of humus.
• (i) Fragmentation, (ii) Leaching, (iii) Catabolism, (iv) (i) It is a dark-coloured amorphous substance.
Humification and (v) Mineralisation are the steps in the (ii) It is highly resistant to microbial action and hence,
process of decomposition. undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow
rate.
Multiple Choice (iii) It is colloidal in nature and hence, serves as a
Questions 1 Mark reservoir of nutrients.
25. What makes humus a reservoir of nutrients? Name
20. The breakdown of detritus into smaller particles by
and write about the process humus undergoes that
earthworms, is called
enriches the soil. [Delhi 2020]
(a) fragmentation (b) leaching
Ans. – The colloidal nature of humus makes it a reservoir
(c) humification (d) mineralisation
of nutrients; it is highly resistant to microbial action
21. Which of the following is not true about humus? and undergoes decomposition at an extremely slow
(a) It is an amorphous, dark-coloured substance. rate.
(b) It is highly resistant to microbial action. – Humus undergoes mineralisation, i.e., it is degraded
(c) It is degraded by the process called humification. by microbes and inorganic nutrients are released.
(d) It is colloidal in nature.
22. The process of mineralisation during decomposition A Short Answer
by microbes releases S Type Questions 3 Marks
(a) both inorganic and organic nutrients from detritus
26. (a) What is detritus?
into the soil.
(b) Name the two climatic factors that regulate
(b) inorganic nutrients from the humus into the soil.
decomposition.
(c) organic nutrients from detritus.
(c) Why is an earthworm called a detritivore?
(d) inorganic nutrients from the detritus leading to the
Ans. (a) The dead plant remains, leaves, bark, fruits, flowers,
formation of humus.
etc. and dead remains of animals and their faecal
matter, constitute detritus.
Answers (b) Temperature and soil moisture are the two climatic
20. (a) 21. (c) 22. (b) factors that regulate decomposition.
(c) Earthworms ingest and breakdown the detritus into
smaller particles; hence they are called detritivores.
V S A Very Short Answer
Type Questions 2 Marks 27. Justify the importance of decomposers in an
23. Name and explain the processes earthworm and ecosystem. [Foreign 2015]
bacteria carry on detritus. [Delhi 2020] Ans. – Decomposers are those heterotrophic organisms
Ans. Earthworms: (e.g. some bacteria and some fungi), which meet
– Earthworms break the detritus into smaller particles their energy requirements by degrading dead
in the process, called fragmentation. organic matter.
Bacteria: – They help in the breakdown of complex organic
– The bacterial enzymes degrade the detritus matter into inorganic substances.
into simpler inorganic substances in the process, – Decomposers secrete enzymes that breakdown the
called catabolism; it involves humification and complex organic matter and the simple nutrients
mineralisation. formed as a result of this, are absorbed by the plants,
the producers.
388 Together with® Biology—12
– Humification and mineralisation occur due to 31. (a) Name the process that makes the detritus
decomposition process in the soil, the humus being become part of the soil in the nutrient cycle.
colloided serves as a storehouse of nutrients and (b) Write the factors responsible for controlling the
improves the water holding capacity of soil. rate of this process.
– When humus is further decomposed, i.e. when (c) Mention the condition, when the rate would be
mineralisation occurs, the mineral nutrients are faster. [AI 2020]
liberated in the soil and are used by plants. Ans. (a) Decomposition is the process; mineralisation, the
28. Represent schematically the decomposition cycle in last step in decomposition is responsible for the
a terrestrial ecosystem. release of inorganic nutrients into the soil.
Ans. Some parts (b) Decomposition is controlled by
are eaten
Fallen away by (i) Chemical composition of detritus
leaves insects (ii) Climatic factors
and other (c) Decomposition would be faster
animals
(i) if the detritus is rich in nitrogen and water-
Plants soluble substances like sugars.
(ii) under warm and moist environment.
• Partly Some nutrients 32. (a) Name the type of detritus that decomposes
consumed by are leached
decomposers faster. List any two factors that enhance the
into soil
and become litter rate of decomposition.
(b) Write the different steps in humification
Decomposition and mineralisation during the process of
by bacteria and • Further decomposed decomposition. [AI 2019]
fungi by earthworms, soil,
mites, etc. Ans. (a) – D etritus rich in nitrogen and water-soluble
substances (like sugars) decomposes faster.
– The factors that enhance the rate of decomposition
Organic
matter in soil are:
(i) High soil moisture.
Decomposition cycle in a terrestrial ecosystem
(ii) Warm and humid environment.
29. Why is earthworm considered a farmers’ friend? (b) – Humification step in decomposition refers to
Explain humification and mineralisation occurring the accumulation of a dark-coloured amorphous
in a decomposition cycle. [Foreign 2015]
substance, called humus.
Ans. – Earthworm is called a farmers’s friend because:
– Mineralisation refers to the decomposition
(i) it breaks down detritus into small particles, in
of humus by certain microbes into inorganic
the process of fragmentation.
nutrients.
(ii) earthworm loosens the soil and there is better
aeration to roots. A Long Answer
– Humification is the process by which a dark- L Type Question 5 Marks
coloured, amorphous substance, called humus, is
formed during decomposition of detritus. 33. How is detritus decomposed step-by-step by different
– Mineralisation is the process in which humus agents and made available as nutrients to the plants?
is further broken down by some microbes and Explain. [Delhi 2013C]
inorganic or mineral nutrients are released. Ans. Decomposers break down complex organic matter into
30. How does a detritivore differ from a decomposer? inorganic substances like carbon dioxide, water and
Explain with an example each. [Delhi 2015 C] nutrients, and the process is called decomposition.
Process of decomposition
Ans. Detritivore Decomposer (i) Fragmentation:
– Detritivore is an – Decomposer is an – It is the process of breaking of the detritus
organism that breaks organism which by into smaller particles by detritivores like
down the detritus secreting enzymes earthworm.
into smaller particles degrades the detritus (ii) Leaching:
in the process, called into simpler inorgan- – It is the process in which water-soluble
fragmentation, ic substances, inorganic substances run down into soil
e.g. Earthworm. e.g. Some bacteria horizon and get precipitated as unavailable
and some fungi. salts.
 Ecosystem 389
(iii) Catabolism: (iv) Humification:
– The enzymatic conversion of the detritus – Humification during decomposition leads to the
into simple organic compounds and then into accumulation of a dark coloured, amorphous
inorganic compounds, is called catabolism. substance, called humus.
– The enzymes are secreted by the decomposers (v) Mineralisation:
like bacteria and fungi. – It is the process in which the humus is degraded
by certain microbes and the inorganic nutrients
are released.

Practice questions
34. The factor that affects the process of decomposition is 36. Differentiate between detritus and humus.
(a) chemical composition of detritus 37. (a) Name the raw material for decomposition.
(b) soil moisture (c) temperature (b) Why are decomposers called saprotrophs also?
(d) all of these (c) What is the impact of anaerobiosis on decom-
35. Decomposers are position?
(a) chemoautotrophs (b) saprotrophs
(c) anaerobes (d) photoautotrophs

Topic covered
12.4. Energy Flow
• Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all ecosystems on the earth.
• Only about 50% of the incident solar radiation is photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
• Plants capture only 2-10% of the PAR and all organisms are dependent for their food on producers, either directly or
indirectly.

Fig. 12.1 Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

• There are two types of food chains operating in the ecosystems:
(i) Grazing food chain (GFC), and (ii) Detritus food chain.
• The place or position occupied by an organism in the food chain, is known as trophic level.
• Producers occupy the first trophic level, the herbivores (primary consumers) occupy the second and the carnivores
(secondary consumers) the third.

Fig. 12.2 Trophic Levels in a Food Chain
390 Together with® Biology—12
• The amount of energy decreases at successive trophic levels; only 10% of the energy is transferred to each trophic level
from the lower trophic level.

Terrestrial Ecosystem Aquatic Ecosystem

Multiple Choice (a) Grazing Grazing
Questions 1 Mark (b) Detritus Detritus
(c) Detritus Grazing
38. In a terrestrial ecosystem such as a forest, maximum (d) Grazing Detritus
amount of energy is found at the trophic level 44. Which of the following depicts the food chain
(a) T1 (b) T2 operating in a forest ecosystem?
(c) T3 (d) T4 (a) Grass → Frogs → Insects → Snakes
39. If a kite feeds on a mouse that feeds on the grains, (b) Vegetation → Rabbit → Wolf → Tiger
the kite is a (c) Dead leaves → Microbes → Insect larvae → Frogs
(a) primary consumer (d) Phytoplanktons → Mosquito larvae → Fish
(b) secondary consumer  → Frog
(c) tertiary consumer Answers
(d) primary producer
38. (a) 39. (b) 40. (c) 41. (c)
40. In a pond ecosystem, the food chain starts with 42. (c) 43. (c) 44. (b)
(a) Zooplanktons (b) Small insects
(c) Phytoplanktons (d) Small fishes
41. In the illustration given below of a simplified food
V S A Very Short Answer
Type Questions 2 Marks
web on an island, the arrows indicate the direction
of energy flow and the Roman numbers indicate 45. (a) What is meant by PAR?
species within the food web. (b) Write the basis on which an organism occupies
VIII a space in its community/natural surroundings.
Ans. (a) The part of the solar radiation which can be
IX
absorbed and used by the plants for photosynthesis,
is called photosynthetically active radiation (PAR).
(b) Their feeding relationship with other organisms.
VII
46. (a) List any two ways of measuring the standing
V crop of a trophic level.
(b) Why is measurement of biomass in terms of dry
VI
weight more accurate than fresh weight?
IV [HOTS]
Ans. (a) Standing crop is measured as
II (i) biomass, i.e. mass of living organisms in an
III I
unit area
At which trophic level or levels does the species VIII (ii) number of organisms in an unit area.
function ? [CBSE 2020C] (b) Measurement of biomass in terms of dry weight
(a) 2nd and 3rd consumer is more accurate because it avoids variations in
(b) 1st consumer weight due to seasonal moisture differences.
(c) Producer 47. How is the first law of thermodynamics satisfied in
the functioning of an ecosystem? [HOTS]
(d) 3rd and 4th consumer Ans. – Plants capture the solar energy and convert it into
42. In an aquatic ecosystem, the trophic level equivalent organic compounds during photosynthesis.
to cows in a grassland ecosystem is – All other organisms depend on plants directly
(a) phytoplankton (b) nektons (herbivores) or indirectly (carnivores) on the plants
(c) zooplankton (d) fish-eating bird for their energy needs.
43. Which of the following food chains is the major – So energy flows from producer through a number
conduit for energy flow in terrestrial and aquatic of consumers in a unidirectional manner and energy
ecosystems respectively? [CBSE Sample Paper 2023] is neither created nor destroyed; thus the first law
of thermodynamics is satisfied in the ecosystem
functioning.
 Ecosystem 391
48. How are primary consumers different from primary 53. Given below is a food web that involves nine
carnivores? organisms.
9
Ans. Primary consumers Primary carnivores
6 8
– These are the ani- – These are the 7
mals which depend animals which feed
4 5
on plants for their on the herbivorous
2 3
food. animals. 1
– They occupy the – They occupy the (a)  Identify two producers and two carnivores
second trophic lev- third trophic level; shown in the food web.
el; they are herbi- they are secondary (b) Is it possible to make an ecological pyramid de-
picting this food web ? Give reason in support
vores. consumers.
of your answer. [AI 2023]
49. What are saprotrophs? How do they obtain their
  Ans. (a) – Organisms numbered 1,2,3 are producers
nutrition?
(any two)
Ans. – Saprotrophs are those organisms, which meet their
– Organisms numbered 6,7,8 and 9 are carnivores
energy requirements by degrading the organic
(any two)
molecules.
(b) – Ecological pyramids are constructed based on
– They release enzymes which degrade/decompose
the number of organisms or amount of energy
the organic matter outside their body and absorb
available or the amount of biomass present at
the digested nutrients.
every trophic level of a food chain.
50. Construct a grazing food chain and a detritus food – Since these parametres are not mentioned/
chain using the following, with five links in each: shown in the flow chart, ecological pyramids
Earthworm, bird, snake, vulture, grass, grasshopper, cannot be constructed.
frog, decaying plant matter. 54. Differentiate between secondary consumers and
Ans. Grazing food chain secondary carnivores.
Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Vulture.
Detritus food chain Ans. Secondary Consumers Secondary Carnivores
Decaying plant matter → Earthworm → Bird → Snake – T h e s e a r e t h e – T h e s e a r e t h e
→ Vulture. organisms, which feed organisms, which
51. ‘It is possible that a species may occupy more on the herbivores/ feed on the secondary
than one trophic level in the same ecosystem at the primary consumers. consumers/primary
same time’. Explain with the help of an example. carnivores.
[AI 2013] – They occupy the third – T hey occupy the
Ans. – Man can occupy two different trophic levels. trophic level. fourth trophic level.
– When he depends only on vegetarian food (plants),
he occupies second trophic level and is a primary A Short Answer
S Type Questions 3 Marks
consumer.
Plants → Man 55. “In a food-chain, a trophic level represents a
– When he eats the flesh of some animals (non- functional level, not a species.” Explain. [Delhi 2016]
vegetarian food), he occupies the third trophic level, Ans. In a food chain, a trophic level represents a functional
as he is a secondary consumer. level not a species because:
Plants → Goat → Man (i) All the organisms (irrespective of species)
52. The number of trophic levels in a food chain is in a trophic level must be considered for any
limited. Justify. calculations of energy content, biomass or numbers,
  Ans. – Only 1% of the incident light energy is converted by for example, grasshoppers, sparrows and rats are
producers into chemical energy. all primary consumers in an agricultural field.
– 10% energy is transferred from one trophic level to (ii) A particular species may occupy more than one
another trophic level in the food chain. trophic level simultaneously in a given ecosystem,
– After a few transfers, the amount of energy at the for example, a sparrow is a primary consumer when
higher trophic levels will be very less, to sustain those it eats seeds/fruits, but is a secondary consumer,
organisms; hence, the number of trophic levels in a when it eats insects or worms.
food chain is limited. (iii) No generalisation can be arrived at, if we consider only
a few individuals (of one species) at a trophic level.
392 Together with® Biology—12
56. Apart from plants and animals, microbes form (c) How is the detritus food chain connected with
a permanent biotic component in an ecosystem. the grazing food chain in a natural ecosystem?
While plants have been referred to as autotrophs  [CBSE 2018]
and animals as heterotrophs, what are microbes Ans. (a) – Trophic level refers to the position occupied by
referred to as? How do microbes fulfil their energy an organism in a food chain; every step or level
requirements? in a food chain, is called a trophic level.
Ans. – Microbes may be photoautotrophs and fix light – Standing crop refers to the amount of living
energy as chemical energy. matter (measured in terms of biomass or number
– They may be chemoautotrophs and by oxidation of organisms) in a trophic level at a given time.
of inorganic chemicals, they obtain energy to (b) The first trophic level in an ecosystem is occupied
synthesise organic compounds as their food. by:
– Many microbes are heterotrophs; they may be (i) producers in a grazing food chain which
saprotrophs or parasites. produce organic food through photosynthesis
– Saprotrophs secrete digestive enzymes on the and support all other organisms directly or
decaying organic matter, break them into simpler indirectly; they transduce energy into the
inorganic substances and absorb them; they are the ecosystem.
decomposers. (ii) decomposers in a detritus food chain,
– Parasites take shelter on certain living species (host) which are the saprotrophs that carry out the
and derive nutrition from them; they cause damage decomposition of organic matter ultimately
to the host organism. into simple inorganic nutrients for the use
by producers (green plants); they play an
important role in nutrient cycling.
A Long Answer (c) Detritus food chain becomes connected to grazing
L Type Question 5 Marks food chain because
57. (a) What is a trophic level in an ecosystem? What (i) some of the members of a detritus food chain
is ‘standing crop’ with reference to it? are prey to the animals of grazing food chain.
(b) Explain the role of the ‘first trophic level’ in an (ii) some omnivorous animals like crow and
ecosystem. cockroach occupy positions in both DFC and
GFC.

Practice questions
58. The organisms in an ecosystem are categorised by 60. (a) What is meant by PAR?
ecologists into producers, primary, secondary and (b) ‘Man can be primary as well as a secondary
tertiary consumers on the basis of consumer.’ Justify this statement.
(a) their feeding relationship with other organism. [Foreign 2015]
(b) their role in succession. 61. Name the type of food chains responsible for the flow
(c) their size and complexity. of larger fraction of energy in an aquatic and a terrestrial
(d) all of these. ecosystem, respectively. Mention one difference
59. Which among the following can occupy more than one between the two chains.
trophic level in an ecosystem at the same time?
(a) Zooplankton (b) Rabbit
(c) Grasshopper (d) Snake

Topic covered
12.5. Ecological Pyramids
• Ecological pyramids are of three types:
(i) Pyramid of number (ii) Pyramid of biomass (iii) Pyramid of energy
• In general, all the pyramids are upright, but there are exceptions.
• In a tree ecosystem, the pyramid of number is inverted.
• Pyramid of biomass in an aquatic ecosystem is inverted.
 Ecosystem 393
• Pyramid of energy is always upright.
Trophic Level Trophic Level
TC TC 3-10
SC 100 J SC 3,54,000
PC 1000 J PC 7,08,000
PP 10,000 J PP 5,842,000
A. Pyramid of Energy B. Pyramid of Number

Trophic Level Dry weight (kg m–2) Trophic Level Dry weight (kg m–2)
TC 1.5 SC 70
SC 11
PC 20
PC 37
PP 4
PP 809
(i) (ii)

C. Pyramid of Biomass (i) Bog Ecosystem (ii) Lake Ecosystem

Fig. 12.3 Ecological Pyramids

Multiple Choice
V S A Very Short Answer
Type Questions 2 Marks
Questions 1 Mark
66. What do the base tier and the top tier represent,
62. Which of the following statements is not correct? respectively, in an ecological pyramid?
(a) Pyramid of biomass in a sea ecosystem is generally Ans. – The base tier represents the producers or the first
inverted. trophic level.
(b) Pyramid of energy is always upright. – The top tier represents the tertiary or top level
(c) Pyramid of numbers in a grassland ecosystem is consumers.
upright.
(d) Pyramid of biomass in a sea ecosystem is generally 67. Name the type of ecological pyramid that can exist
upright. as upright as well as inverted. Explain how it does
63. In a grassland ecosystem, if the number of primary happen. [AI 2020]
producers (grasses) is approximately 6 millions, the Or
number of tertiary consumers that can be supported ‘The pyramid of biomass is not always upright’.
will be Explain the statement. [AI 2019]
(a) 3 (b) 30 Ans. – The pyramid of biomass in terrestrial ecosystems
(c) 300 (d) 600 is upright because the biomass of the base tiers of
64. The trophic structure of an ecosystem can be the pyramid is more than the upper ones.
represented as a pyramid of – The pyramid of biomass in aquatic ecosystems (like
(a) biomass (b) number sea) is inverted, because the biomass of fishes far
(c) energy (d) all of these exceeds that of phytoplanktons.
65. Which of the following statements regarding the 68. Justify the statement, ‘Pyramid of energy is always
pyramid of energy is incorrect? upright and can never be inverted’. [AI 2019]
(a) The base tier has the maximum amount of energy. Ans. Pyramid of energy is always upright because
(b) It shows the energy content in different trophic levels. – only 10 per cent of energy is passed on from one
(c) Only 10 per cent of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next higher trophic level.
trophic level to the next higher trophic level. – during the flow of energy from one trophic level to
(d) It is inverted in sea ecosystem. the next, some energy is always lost as heat at each step.
69. Why is the pyramid of biomass upright in most of
Answers the ecosystems? Compare it with the biomass in sea.
 [AI 2019]
62. (d) 63. (a) 64. (d) Ans. – Pyramid of biomass is terrestrial ecosystems is
65. (d) Pyramid of energy is always upright because some upright, because the amount of biomass is more in
energy is always lost as heat during transfer from producers than herbivores (primary consumers) and
one trophic level to the next higher trophic level. that in herbivores is more in carnivores (secondary
and tertiary consumers).
394 Together with® Biology—12
– In a sea ecosystem, the pyramid of biomass is keeps on decreasing as it travels to higher
inverted as the biomass of consumers (like fishes) trophic levels.
far exceeds that of the producers (phytoplanktons). – Hence, at higher trophic levels, the amount of
70. (a) How many primary producers, do you energy is sufficient to sustain fewer organisms
think would be needed to support six tertiary than the lower trophic levels.
consumers in a grassland ecosystem? 74. Differentiate between the two different types of
(b) Draw a grassland pyramid of numbers to pyramids of biomass with the help of one example
substantiate your answer. [AI 2020] each.  [AI 2013]
Ans. (a) 11.6 millions or nearly 12 millions. Ans. The upright pyramid and the inverted pyramid are the
(b) Trophic level Number of two types of pyramids of biomass.
individuals
TC (Tertiary consumer) 3 Upright pyramid of Inverted pyramid of
biomass biomass
SC (Secondary consumer) 3,54,000
PC (Primary consumer) 708,000 – The base tier (of – The base tier (of
P (Producer) 5,842,000 producers) is broad producers) is narrow,
Pyramid of numbers in a grassland ecosystem.
i.e. the biomass of i.e., the amount of
71. Explain with the help of two examples, how the producers is the biomass is less than
pyramid of numbers and the pyramid of biomass maximum in the that of consumers.
can look inverted. pyramid. – This type of pyramid
Ans. – Pyramid of numbers can look inverted in a tree – This type of pyramid occurs in aquatic
ecosystem, where the single tree is the producer (first occurs in grasslands ecosystems, where
trophic level) and a number of insects are feeding where the biomass the biomass of
on that tree (primary consumers or second trophic of the producers is planktons is much
level). much higher than lower and that
– Pyramid of biomass in a sea is generally inverted
that of primary con- of consumers far
because the biomass of fishes far exceeds those of the
sumers. exceeds it.
phytoplankton, which are microscopic organisms.
72. (a) Draw a pyramid of numbers where a large 75. Draw a pyramid of biomass and a pyramid of energy
number of insects are feeding on the leaves of in sea. Give your comments on the types of pyramids
a tree. What is the shape of this pyramid? drawn. [Foreign 2016]
(b) Will the pyramid of energy be also of the same Ans. Trophic Level Dry weight (kg m–2)
shape in this situation? Give reason for your SC 70
response. [CBSE Sample Paper 2023]
PC 20
Ans. (a) T2 Insects PP 4

T1 Tree
Pyramid of Biomass in Sea

The pyramid is inverted. Trophic Level Energy

(b) No, the pyramid of energy will be upright; TC 10 J
because when energy flows from one trophic SC 100 J
level to the next higher trophic level, some PC 1000 J
PP 10,000 J
amount of energy is always lost.
Pyramid of Energy in Sea
A Short Answer – The pyramid of biomass is inverted; it is because
S Type Questions 3 Marks the biomass of zooplanktons is greater than the
phytoplanktons and that of fishes far exceeds that
73. (a) Construct a pyramid of numbers by taking
of the plantations.
suitable examples for each trophic level in an
– The pyramid of energy is always upright, because
ecosystem.
the amount of energy in the producers (base
(b) Explain why a progressive decline is seen in
tier) is more than that in consumers; only 10%
the population size from the first to the fourth
of energy is transferred from one trophic level
trophic level is the above pyramid. [Foreign 2015]
to the next higher trophic level and there is
Ans. (a) Refer to Ans. 70 (b).
always loss of energy in the form of heat during
   (b) – Since only 10% of energy is transferred from one
transfers.
trophic level to the next, the amount of energy
 Ecosystem 395
76. (a) Name an ideal pyramid existing in an ecosystem. biomass than the herbivores and the herbivores are
Construct it up to three trophic levels, along more in number and biomass than the carnivores.
with their names. – The pyramid of energy in any ecosystem is always
(b) The sun provides 1,000,000 J of sunlight (solar upright because energy at the producer level is the
energy) in an ecosystem. Write the amount of
highest and decreases at successive higher trophic
energy that is available to the first and third
trophic levels, respectively. [CBSE 2020C] levels; when energy flows from one trophic level to
Ans. (a) Pyramid of energy the next, higher trophic level, some amount of
energy is lost as heat and only 10% of the energy
is transferred.
Trophic Level Number
Tertiary Consumer
Tertiary Consumer 3-10
Secondary Consumer Secondary Consumer 3,54,000
Primary Consumer Primary Consumer 7,08,000
Producers
Primary Producer 5,842,000
An ideal pyramid of energy.
(b) – First trophic level – 10,000 J Pyramid of number
– Third trophic level – 100 J (Grassland ecosystem)
Dry weight
Trophic Level (kg)
A Long Answer
L Type Questions 5 Marks
TC 1.5
SC 11
77. What does an Ecological Pyramid indicate? Explain PC 37
the three different types of Upright Pyramids in PP 809
nature with the help of an example of each.
Pyramid of Biomass
 [Delhi 2017C] (Forest ecosystem)
Ans. An ecological pyramid is the graphic representation of
Trophic Level
the number, food/energy relationship or biomass of the Energy
TC 10 J
different trophic levels of a food chain at a given time.
Types of Pyramids SC 100 J

– In general the pyramids of number, of biomass and PC 1000 J

of energy are upright. PP 10,000 J
– It is because the producers are more in number and Pyramid of Energy
(Grassland ecosystem)
78. Draw the pyramid of biomass in a sea and in a forest. Explain giving reasons, why the two pyramids are different.
 [CBSE 2018C]
Ans. Dry weight     Dry weight
Trophic Level
In sea (kg m–2) Trophic Level In a Forest (kg)
SC 70 TC 1.5
PC 20 SC 11
PC 37
PP 4
PP 809

Pyramid of Biomass
In a sea
– The pyramid of biomass in a sea is inverted; this is because the biomass of consumers like fishes far exceeds that
of the producers, i.e., phytoplanktons.
In a forest
– The pyramid of biomass in a forest is upright; this is because, the biomass of producers is higher than that of primary
consumers (herbivores) and that of herbivores is greater than that of carnivores.
79. (a) What is an ecological pyramid? Compare the pyramids of energy, biomass and numbers.
(b) Write any two limitations of ecological pyramids. [AI 2017]
396 Together with® Biology—12
Ans. (a) The graphic representation of the number, food/energy relationships or biomass of the different trophic levels of a
food chain at a given time, is called an ecological pyramid.
Comparison:
Pyramid of Energy Pyramid of Biomass Pyramid of Numbers
– It is the graphic representation – It is the graphic representation – It is the graphic representation
of the amount of energy present of the biomass/living organic of the number of organisms
at each trophic level of a food matter present at each trophic present at each trophic level of
chain, at a given time. level of a food chain, at a given a food chain, at a given time.
time.
– It is always upright, and never – It may be upright as in a grass- – It may be upright as in a forest
inverted, because the amount of land ecosystem or inverted as or grassland ecosystem or
energy present in producers is in sea (aquatic) ecosystem. inverted as in a tree ecosystem.
more than that in consumers.
(b) Limitations of ecological pyramids:
(i) They do not take into account the same species belonging to two or more trophic levels.
(ii) It assumes a simple food chain, whereas in nature it does not exist.
(iii) Saprophytes/decomposers are not given any place in ecological pyramids. (any two)

Practice questions
80. Select the option with the correctly matched pair(s). (b) a sea ecosystem and a tree ecosystem.
A. Pyramid of Energy - Always upright (c) a grassland ecosystem and a sea ecosystem.
B. Pyramid of number in tree ecosystem - Always (d) a sea ecosystem and a grassland ecosystem.
inverted 82. In the pyramid of biomass drawn below, name the two
C. Pyramid of biomass in pond ecosystem - Upright crops: (i) one which is supported, and (ii) the one which
or inverted supports. In which ecosystem is such a pyramid found?
D. Pyramid of number in grassland ecosystem -
Inverted
E. Pyramid of biomass in grassland ecosystem -
Upright
(a) A, B, and D (b) A, B, and E
(c) B, C, and D (d) B, C, and E 83. Explain ‘standing crop’ in an ecosystem. Draw a
pyramid of biomass, where a small standing crop
81. An inverted pyramid of number and an inverted pyramid
of phytoplanktons supports a large standing crop of
of biomass are seen respectively in
zooplanktons in the sea.
(a) a tree ecosystem and a sea ecosystem.

Integrated (mixed) Questions

84. Identify whether each of the following statements is D. In an ecological pyramid, the amount of energy
true (T) or false (F) and select the correct option. available at the lower trophic level is always
A. The process of breakdown of detritus into smaller more than that at a higher trophic level.
particles by the detritivores/earthworms, is  [True/False] (1 Mark)
called humification. [True/False] (a) A – F, B – F, C – T, D – T
B. The mass of living matter present at a trophic (b) A – T, B – T, C – F, D – T
level of a food chain at a given time, is called (c) A – F, B – T, C – F, D – T
standing state. [True/False] (d) A – T, B – F, C – T, D – F
C. Trees occupy the top vertical strata or layer of 85. Mark the odd one in each of the following groups
a forest, shrubs the second, and the grasses and and select the correct option.
herbs occupy the bottom layers. [True/False] A. Bacteria, Fungi, Flagellates, Lichens.
 Ecosystem 397
B. Fragmentation, Stratification, Leaching, (b) A – Bacteria B – Fragmentation
Catabolism. C – Goat D – Lion
C. Phytoplanktons, Oak, Cow, Teak (c) A – Lichens B – Stratification
D. Goat, Lion, Zooplankton, Snail (1 Mark) C – Cow D – Lion
(a) A – Lichens B – Fragmentation (d) A – Lichens B – Stratification
C – Teak D – Snail C – Phytoplankton D – Lion

Assertion and reason questions

Instruction: Following questions consists of two statements Reason: Decomposition is an oxygen-requiring
– Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Answer these questions by process.
selecting the appropriate option given below: 88. Assertion: Pyramid of energy is always upright in any
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the ecosystem.
correct explanation of assertion. Reason: Producers capture the solar energy and only
(b) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is not the 10% of energy is passed on from one trophic level to the
correct explanation of assertion. next higher trophic level.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false. 89. Assertion: All animals are consumers and are
(d) Assertion is False but reason is true. heterotrophs.
86. Assertion: Decomposition process is slower, if detritus Reason: Animals depend on plants either directly or
is rich in lignin and cutin. indirectly for their food needs.
Reason: Decomposition is largely an oxygen-requiring 90. Assertion: The pyramid of biomass in an aquatic
process. [Delhi 2023] ecosystem (freshwater or marine) is always inverted.
Reason: The biomass of consumers like fishes far
87. Assertion: Inorganic nutrients are released by degradation
exceeds that of the producers like phytoplanktons.
of humus in a process, called mineralisation.

Case-based Questions
91. Read the following passage and answer the questions Dead plant remains such as fallen leaves, bark, flowers,
that follow: etc. and dead remains of animals and excreta of animals,
An ecosystem can be visualised as a functional unit collectively constitute detritus, which is the raw material
of nature, where the living organisms interact among for decomposition.
themselves and also with the surrounding physical 1. Fragmentation, 2. Leaching and 3. Catabolism are
environment. Ecosystems vary greatly in size from a some important steps in the process; these steps occur
small pond to a large forest or an ocean. simultaneously.
(a) Interaction of biotic and abiotic components results (a) What term is given to the organisms that carry out
in a physical structure that is characteristic of each step 1? Give an example.
ecosystem. Mention two features that characterise (b) Name the other two steps in the process.
the structure of an ecosystem. (c) What term is given to the organisms that carry out
(b) Give two examples of man-made ecosystems. step 3? Give an example. How do they obtain the
(c) Mention the four functional components of an energy required by them?
ecosystem. Or
Or (c) Humus is a dark-coloured amorphous substance.
(c) (i) Mention any two autotrophic components in Mention two other characteristic properties of
a pond ecosystem. humus.
(ii) Where are the decomposers abundant in a 93. Read the following passage and answer the questions
pond ecosystem? that follow:
92. Read the following passage and answer the questions Organisms occupy a specific place in their natural
that follow: surroundings or in a community according to their
398 Together with® Biology—12
feeding relationship with the other organisms. Based Name the type of food chain that you have written.
on the source of nutrition of food, organisms occupy a Justify your answer.
particular place, called trophic level, in a food chain. Or
Organisms may also occupy different trophic levels in (c) What will be the consequence if all the snails are
different food chains in the same ecosystem at the same removed from the aquatic ecosystem shown above?
time. 95. Read the following passage and answer the questions
(a) What technical term is given to organisms that follow:
occupying the (i) second and (ii) third trophic Each trophic level in a food chain has a certain amount
levels, respectively, in a food chain. of living material at a particular time, called standing
(b) Choose an example each for the first and second crop. Standing crop is measured as the mass of living
trophic levels of a food chain, from the list of organisms (biomass) or as number of organisms per unit
organisms given below: area. The biomass is expressed in terms of freshweight
Rabbit, Wolf, Phytoplanktons, Snail, Frog, or dry weight. A graphic representation of the amount
Hydrilla. of biomass in different trophic levels of a food chain at
(c) Why is the number of trophic levels in a grazing any given time, is called pyramid of biomass.
food chain limited? Two pyramids of biomass are shown in the figure given
Or below.
(c) Why does the detritus food chain become connected Answer the questions that follow:
to the grazing food chain at some levels? Dry weight
Trophic Level
94. Observe the following diagram and answer the (kg m–2)
questions that follow: SC 70

PC 20

PP 4

A
Dry weight
Trophic Level (kg)
6 1
4 TC 1.5
SC 11
3 2 PC 37

PP 809

B
A part of an aquatic ecosystem is represented in the (a) Identify the type of ecosystems in which the
picture provided above. pyramid of biomass A and B occur, respectively.
(a) Mention the relationship between 1 and 2 with (b) Why is measurement of biomass in terms of dry
respect to a food chain. weight more accurate than fresh weight?
(b) What is the relationship between 3 and 4 with (c) Why is the pyramid A inverted and B upright?
regard to trophic levels? Or
(c) Construct a food chain operating in this ecosystem. (c) Why is the pyramid of energy always upright?

ncert Zone
NCERT Exercises
12.1. Fill in the blanks: (iii) In aquatic ecosystems, the limiting factor for
(i) Plants are called as _____________ because the productivity is_____________.
they fix carbon dioxide. (iv) Common detritivores in our ecosystem are
(ii) In an ecosystem dominated by trees, the _________ .
pyramid (of numbers) is _____________ type. (v) The major reservoir of carbon on earth is
___________.
 Ecosystem 399
Ans. (i) producers (ii) inverted 12.4. Secondary producers are:
(iii) light (iv) earthworms (a) Herbivores (b) Producers
(v) oceans. (c) Carnivores (d) None of these
12.2. Which one of the following has the largest population Ans. (a) Herbivores and (c) Carnivores.
in a food chain? 12.5. What is the percentage of photosynthetically active
(a) Producers (b) Primary consumers radiation (PAR) in the incident solar radiation?
(c) Secondary consumers (d) Decomposers (a) 100% (b) 50%
Ans. (a) Producers. (c) 1-5% (d) 2-10%
12.3. The second trophic level in a lake is Ans. (b) 50%.
(a) Phytoplankton (b) Zooplankton
(c) Benthos (d) Fishes.
Ans. (b) Zooplankton.

12.6. Distinguish between:

(a) Grazing food chain and detritus food chain. (b) Production and decomposition.
(c) Upright and inverted pyramids. (d) Food chain and food web.
(e) Litter and detritus. (f) Primary and secondary productivity.
Ans. (a) Grazing food chain Detritus food chain
– It is a food chain where transfer of energy starts – It is the food chain where transfer of energy starts
from producers. from detritus/decomposing organic matter.
– Comparatively, less amount of energy flows – Comparatively more energy flows through this.
through this.
– In aquatic ecosystems, this is the major conduit for – In terrestrial ecosystems, DFC is the major conduit
energy transfer. for energy flow.
– It is made of producers, consumers and carnivores. – It is made of decomposers/saprotrophs.

(b) Production Decomposition

– It is the process of formation of biomass or – It is the process by which the saprotrophs break the
organic compounds from simple inorganic sub- larger organic molecules into simpler organic mol-
stances. ecules and ultimately into inorganic constituents.
– It occurs at the level of producers (primary pro- – It occurs at the level of decomposers.
duction) and consumers (secondary production).

(c) Upright pyramids Inverted pyramids

– It is the pyramid (graphic representation of food – It is the pyramid (graphic representation of food
chain) where the producers form a broad base, chain) where the producers form a narrow base,
while the consumers keep decreasing/tapering. while the consumers keep increasing.
– Pyramid of energy is always upright; pyramid – Pyramids of biomass in an aquatic ecosystem and
of number and pyramid of biomass in forest pyramid of number in a tree ecosystem are inverted
ecosystem are also upright. pyramids.

(d) Food chain Food web

– It is the transfer of energy from the producers – A number of interconnected food chains form the
through a series of organisms with repeated food web.
eatings. – It is more realistic in nature.
– It is less realistic in nature.

(e) Litter Detritus

– Litter refers to the dried fallen parts of plants. – Detritus refers to the deed remains of plants and
animals and faecal matter of animals.
400 Together with® Biology—12
(f ) Primary productivity Secondary productivity
– It is the amount of biomass or organic matter – It is the rate of assimilation and formation of new
produced per unit area over a time period by the organic matter by consumers.
producers during photosynthesis.
12.7. Describe the components of an ecosystem.
Ans. The components of an ecosystem are (a) the biotic components and (b) the abiotic components.
(a) Biotic Components:
Biotic Components

Producers Consumers Decomposers

Primary Secondary Tertiary

consumers consumers consumers
(Herbivores) (Primary carnivores) (Secondary carnivores)
– Producers are the green plants and other autotrophs, which prepare their own organic food and feed energy into
the ecosystem.
– Consumers are the organisms/animals which depend directly or indirectly on plants for their food.
– Consumers are of the following types:
(i) Primary consumers: They are the organisms/animals which depend directly on producers for their food; they
are also called as herbivores, e.g. deer, rabbit, zooplanktons.
(ii) Secondary consumers: Secondary consumers are those animals which depend on the primary consumers for
their food; they are primary carnivores, e.g. frogs, hyena.
(iii) Tertiary consumers: Tertiary consumers are those animals, which depend on the secondary consumers for
their food; they are the secondary carnivores, e.g. lion, eagle, kite, etc.
(b) Abiotic Components:
They include the factors like:
(i) Air (ii) Water (iii) Solar radiation (iv) Temperature (v) Soil
12.8. Define ecological pyramids and describe with examples, pyramids of number and biomass.
Ans. The graphic representation of the trophic structure (organisms in various trophic levels) of a food chain, is called ecological
pyramid.
(i) Pyramid of number:
– It is the graphic representation of the number of individual organisms in different trophic levels of a food chain.
Trophic Level Number
Tertiary Consumer 3-10

Secondary Consumer 3,54,000

Primary Consumer 7,08,000

Primary Producer 5,842,000

Pyramid of number (Grassland ecosystem)

– The pyramid of number may be upright as shown or it may be inverted as in a tree ecosystem.
– In a tree ecosystem, the producer is represented by the single tree.
– A number of insects inhabit the tree and derive their nutrition from these.
– A good number of birds feed on the insects.
(ii) Pyramid of Biomass:
– It is defined as the graphic representation of the biomass/organic matter available at different trophic levels of
a food chain.
– It may be upright as in a terrestrial ecosystem or inverted as in an aquatic ecosystem.
– In an aquatic ecosystem, the sum total of the weight of phytoplanktons is far less than a few fishes feeding at
higher trophic levels.
 Ecosystem 401
Trophic Level Dry weight Tropic Level Dry weight
(kg) (kg m–2)
TC
1.5 SC 70
SC 11
PC 20
PC 37
PP
PP 809 4

         Terrestrial Ecosystem Lake Ecosystem
Pyramid of Biomass
12.9.
What is primary productivity? Give a brief description of factors that affect primary productivity.
Ans.
Refer to Ans. 16(a).
12.10.
Define decomposition and describe the processes and products of decomposition.
Ans.
Refer to Ans. 33.
12.11.
Give an account of energy flow in an ecosystem. – The flow of energy from the sun to producers and
Ans.
– Sun is the ultimate source of energy for all then to consumers, is unidirectional and is keeping
ecosystems on the earth. with the first law of thermodynamics.
– Only about 50% of the incident solar radiation is – In an ecosystem, energy is transferred in the form
photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). of food and it leads to the degradation and loss of a
– Plants capture only 2-10% of the PAR and all major part of food energy, as heat during metabolic
organisms are dependent, for their food on producers, activities, and a very small fraction becomes stored
either directly or indirectly. as biomass; this is keeping with the second law of
thermodynamics.
Refer to Fig. 12.1 in the text.

select NCERT exemplar problemS

1. Which of the following ecosystems is most productive 6. Arrange the following as observed in vertical
in terms of net primary production? stratification of a forest: Grass, Shrubby plants,
(a) Deserts (b) Tropical rain forests Teak, Amaranthus.
(c) Oceans (d) Estuaries Ans. Teak occupies the top/upper vertical strata, shrubby
Ans. (b) plants the middle layers, and Amaranthus and grass the
2. Approximately how much of the solar energy that bottom layers.
falls on the leaves of a plant is converted to chemical 7. Name an omnivore, which occurs in both grazing
energy by photosynthesis? food chain and the decomposer food chain.
(a) Less than 1% (b) 2-10% Ans. Cockroach/crow.
(c) 30% (d) 50% 8. Name any two organisms which can occupy more
Ans. (b) than one trophic level in an ecosystem.
3. The process of mineralisation by micro organisms Ans. Man, Eagle, Kite (any two)
helps in the release of 9. What is the ultimate source of energy for the
(a) inorganic nutrients from humus ecosystem?
(b) both organic and inorganic nutrients from detritus Ans. Sunlight
(c) organic nutrients from humus 10. Why are oceans least productive?
(d) inorganic nutrients from detritus and formation of Ans. The productivity of ocean is limited by the light
humus. available to the plants in deeper regions and nitrogen
Ans. (a) nutrient.
4. Name an organism found as secondary carnivore in 11. What is common to earthworm, soil mites and dung
an aquatic ecosystem. beetles in an ecosystem?
Ans. Large fish/whale/shark/water snake. Ans. They are all detritivores.
5. What does the base tier of the ecological pyramid 12. What could be the reason for the fast rate of
represent? decomposition in the tropics? [HOTS]
Ans. The base tier of an ecological pyramid represents Ans. – The rate of decomposition is regulated by temperature
producers. and soil moisture, as they influence the activities of
decomposers.
402 Together with® Biology—12
– The tropics have a warm/hot and humid condition; – Those microbes which depend on living organisms
such a condition is favourable for the decomposers for their food as well as shelter, are called parasites.
and hence they speed up the process of decomposition. 14. ‘The energy flow in the ecosystem follows the second
13. Apart from plants and animals, microbes form law of thermodynamics.’ Explain. [HOTS]
a permanent biotic component in an ecosystem. Ans. – The processes which occur in an ecosystem create
While plants have been referred to as autotrophs disorderliness.
and animals as heterotrophs, what are microbes – The ecosystems need a continuous supply of
referred to as? How do microbes fulfil their energy energy for the production of such molecules, which
requirements? are needed to counteract the universal tendency
Ans. – The microbes are also heterotrophs; they are of increasing disorderliness, and bring back the
saprotrophs or parasites. equilibrium.
– Those microbes which meet their energy
requirement by degrading the dead and decaying
organic matter, are called saprotrophs; they are also
called decomposers.

Answers to all unsolved questions are given at the end of all the chapters.
 Ecosystem 403

Self-Evaluation Test
1. Net primary productivity (NPP) is 5. Differentiate between secondary consumers and
(a) the rate of organic matter produced through secondary carnivores.
photosynthesis minus the respiratory losses. 6. (a) What is primary productivity of an ecosystem and
(b) the rate of formation of new organic matter by how is it expressed?
consumers. (b) Explain what the equation given below shows?
(c) the mass of organic matter stored by consumers NPP = GPP–R.
for the consumption by next trophic level. 7. Sun is the only source of energy to all ecosystems on
(d) both (a) and (c). the earth. Only about 50 per cent of the incident solar
2. A frog that feeds on the insects, is a radiation is photosynthetically active radiation (PAR)
(a) primary consumer (b) parasite and photosynthetic organisms capture only 2-10 per cent
(c) secondary consumer (d) herbivore of PAR. All organisms depend on plants for their food
and energy requirements. There is unidirectional flow
3. In a sea ecosystem, the pyramid of biomass is 1 and
of energy and food chains or food webs are formed in
the pyramid of energy is 2.
nature. Two types of food chains-Grazing food chain
(a) 1-inverted, 2-inverted (GFC) and Detritus food chain (DFC) aperate in nature
(b) 1-inverted, 2-upright and at some levels they become interconnected.
(c) 1-upright, 2-inverted (a) Why is a food chain formed in nature.
(d) 1-upright, 2-upright (b) Explain why the flow of energy is described as
4. Assertion: Human is a dark-coloured amorphous ‘unidirectional’.
subtance formed during decomposition of detoitus. Or
Reason: It serves asa reservoir of nutrients due to its (b) Why do the GFC and DFC become interconnected
colloidal nature. at some levels?
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is 8. (a) Draw a ‘pyramid of numbers’ of a situation, where
the correct explanation of assertion. a large population of insects feed upon a very big
(b) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is tree. The insects in turn are eaten by small birds,
not the correct explanation of assertion. which in turn are fed upon by big birds.
(b) Differentiate, giving reason, between the pyramid
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
of biomass of the above situation and the pyramid
(d) Assertion is False but reason is true. of numbers that you have drawn.

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