NCERT Class 10 Environment & Ecology — Chapter 1: Our Environment

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In a grazing food chain, which group occupies the first trophic level?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ACarnivores
BOmnivores
CProducers
DHerbivores

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Solution

The correct option is Producers.

Explanation

A grazing food chain is a type of food chain that originates from living green plants. Trophic levels represent the specific positions that organisms occupy within a food chain based on their source of nutrition. The flow of energy in an ecosystem is unidirectional, moving from the base level upwards.

Trophic Level Analysis

First Trophic Level (Producers): This level is occupied by autotrophs, primarily green plants and algae. They utilize solar energy to synthesize food through photosynthesis. In a grazing food chain, producers form the foundation and provide energy for all subsequent levels.
Second Trophic Level (Herbivores): This level consists of primary consumers that feed directly on producers (plants).
Third Trophic Level (Carnivores): This level includes secondary consumers that feed on herbivores.
Fourth Trophic Level (Top Carnivores/Omnivores): This level comprises tertiary consumers that feed on other carnivores or both plants and animals.

Key Takeaway

The grazing food chain always starts with producers (autotrophs) at the first trophic level, as they are the primary source of energy fixation in the ecosystem.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Our Environment

Consider the following statements regarding non-biodegradable substances: 1. Some non-biodegradable substances may be inert yet persistent. 2. All non-biodegradable substances actively harm every member of the ecosystem. 3. Non-biodegradable substances are rapidly metabolized by all ecosystem members. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding ecosystem dynamics: 1. Producers make solar energy available to the rest of the ecosystem. 2. There is no loss of energy across trophic levels. 3. Human activities influence the environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Consider the following statements about enzymes and decomposition: 1. Enzymes in living systems act non-specifically on all substrates. 2. Specificity explains why certain materials are not broken down in the environment. 3. Enzyme specificity ensures that only compatible substrates are broken down. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding producers in an ecosystem: 1. They convert solar energy into chemical energy. 2. Only green plants act as producers. 3. Some bacteria can be producers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Match List I with List II and select the correct answer using the code given below: List I | List II A. Producers | 1. Herbivores B. Primary consumers | 2. Top/Larger carnivores C. Secondary consumers | 3. Small carnivores D. Tertiary consumers | 4. Autotrophs fixing solar energy

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The correct option is Producers.

Explanation

Trophic Level Analysis

First Trophic Level (Producers): This level is occupied by autotrophs, primarily green plants and algae. They utilize solar energy to synthesize food through photosynthesis. In a grazing food chain, producers form the foundation and provide energy for all subsequent levels.
Second Trophic Level (Herbivores): This level consists of primary consumers that feed directly on producers (plants).
Third Trophic Level (Carnivores): This level includes secondary consumers that feed on herbivores.
Fourth Trophic Level (Top Carnivores/Omnivores): This level comprises tertiary consumers that feed on other carnivores or both plants and animals.

Key Takeaway

The grazing food chain always starts with producers (autotrophs) at the first trophic level, as they are the primary source of energy fixation in the ecosystem.