Question

Detritus food chain starts with:

• A. Living producers
• B. Dead organic matter
• C. Herbivores
• D. Carnivores

Hint:

DFC = Dead organic matter $\rightarrow$ Detritivores $\rightarrow$ Predators.
GFC = Green plants $\rightarrow$ Herbivores $\rightarrow$ Carnivores.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Ecosystems have two main energy pathways: the Grazing Food Chain (GFC) and the Detritus Food Chain (DFC).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Grazing Food Chain begins with living primary producers (plants) and solar energy.
In contrast, the Detritus Food Chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter (detritus), such as leaf litter, dead animals, and organic waste.
This dead matter contains stored chemical energy that is utilized by detritivores (e.g., earthworms) and decomposers (e.g., bacteria, fungi).
Energy flows from these decomposers to small carnivores that feed on them.
In many terrestrial ecosystems, the DFC is the major pathway for energy flow because most of the plant biomass dies without being eaten by herbivores.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The starting point and primary energy source for a detritus food chain is non-living, dead organic matter.