With reference to consumers in an ecosystem, consider the following statements: 1. Herbivores rely directly on producers. 2. Carnivores belong only to the second trophic level. 3. Omnivores feed exclusively on plant matter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is 1 only Explanation In an ecosystem, consumers (heterotrophs) are organisms that cannot synthesize their own food and depend on producers or other consumers for energy. They are classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers based on their feeding habits and position in the food chain (trophic levels). Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Herbivores are primary consumers that feed directly on producers (plants or algae). Since producers occupy the first trophic level, herbivores occupy the second trophic level and rely directly on autotrophs for nutrition. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Trophic levels represent the position of an organism in a food chain. The first level consists of producers. The second level consists of herbivores (primary consumers). Carnivores feed on herbivores or other carnivores, meaning they occupy the third trophic level (secondary consumers) or higher. They do not belong to the second trophic level. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Omnivores are organisms that consume both plant matter and animal flesh. Organisms that feed exclusively on plant matter are classified as herbivores, not omnivores. Key Takeaway Key Takeaway: In a food chain, producers form the first trophic level, herbivores (primary consumers) form the second, and carnivores (secondary/tertiary consumers) occupy the third level and beyond.

With reference to consumers… - NCERT Class 10 Environment & Ecology MCQ

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

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With reference to consumers in an ecosystem, consider the following statements:

Herbivores rely directly on producers.
Carnivores belong only to the second trophic level.
Omnivores feed exclusively on plant matter.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Science - class 10 · Page 209

Options

A1 only
B1, 2 and 3
C2 only
D1 and 3 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is

1 only

Explanation

In an ecosystem, consumers (heterotrophs) are organisms that cannot synthesize their own food and depend on producers or other consumers for energy. They are classified into primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers based on their feeding habits and position in the food chain (trophic levels).

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Herbivores are primary consumers that feed directly on producers (plants or algae). Since producers occupy the first trophic level, herbivores occupy the second trophic level and rely directly on autotrophs for nutrition.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Trophic levels represent the position of an organism in a food chain. The first level consists of producers. The second level consists of herbivores (primary consumers). Carnivores feed on herbivores or other carnivores, meaning they occupy the third trophic level (secondary consumers) or higher. They do not belong to the second trophic level.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Omnivores are organisms that consume both plant matter and animal flesh. Organisms that feed exclusively on plant matter are classified as herbivores, not omnivores.

Key Takeaway

Key Takeaway: In a food chain, producers form the first trophic level, herbivores (primary consumers) form the second, and carnivores (secondary/tertiary consumers) occupy the third level and beyond.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Our Environment

Which term correctly describes the direction of energy flow through an ecosystem?

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