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

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Which group of organisms constitutes the second trophic level in a standard food chain?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AProducers
BParasites
CPrimary consumers
DDecomposers

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Solution

The correct option is Primary consumers.

Explanation

Trophic levels represent the specific positions that organisms occupy in a food chain based on their source of nutrition. In an ecosystem, energy flows unidirectionally from the lowest level (producers) to higher levels (consumers).

Analysis of Trophic Levels

First Trophic Level (T1): This level consists of Producers (Autotrophs), such as green plants and algae. They synthesize their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.
Second Trophic Level (T2): This level consists of Primary Consumers (Herbivores). These organisms feed directly on producers to obtain energy. Examples include grasshoppers, rabbits, and cattle.
Third Trophic Level (T3): This level consists of Secondary Consumers (Carnivores) that prey on primary consumers.
Decomposers: Organisms like bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter. They operate at all levels of the food chain to recycle nutrients but do not occupy a specific step in the linear grazing food chain hierarchy.

Key Takeaway: The second trophic level in a standard grazing food chain is always occupied by primary consumers (herbivores), which serve as the link between producers and carnivores.

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?

medium

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?

medium

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?

medium

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

easy

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?

medium

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The correct option is Primary consumers.

Explanation

Analysis of Trophic Levels

First Trophic Level (T1): This level consists of Producers (Autotrophs), such as green plants and algae. They synthesize their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.
Second Trophic Level (T2): This level consists of Primary Consumers (Herbivores). These organisms feed directly on producers to obtain energy. Examples include grasshoppers, rabbits, and cattle.
Third Trophic Level (T3): This level consists of Secondary Consumers (Carnivores) that prey on primary consumers.
Decomposers: Organisms like bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter. They operate at all levels of the food chain to recycle nutrients but do not occupy a specific step in the linear grazing food chain hierarchy.

Key Takeaway: The second trophic level in a standard grazing food chain is always occupied by primary consumers (herbivores), which serve as the link between producers and carnivores.