Question:

Detritus food chain begins with ___________ .

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The detritus food chain starts from non-living organic remains, not from living producers.
Updated On: Nov 13, 2026
  • dead organic matter

  • living plants

  • soil bacteria

  • living animals

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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Ecosystems have two kinds of food chains: the grazing food chain and the detritus food chain.
They differ in the first trophic level.

Step 2: Key Point
The grazing food chain starts with living green plants (producers).
The detritus food chain starts with dead organic matter such as fallen leaves, dead animals and faeces.

Step 3: Compare the options
Decomposers and detritivores feed on this dead matter, and their energy then passes to detritivore-eating animals.
So the chain begins with dead organic matter.

Final Answer:
The detritus food chain begins with dead organic matter. \[ \boxed{\text{(A) }\text{dead organic matter}} \]
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