Question

Which one of the following food chain starts with dead decaying organic matter?

• A. Aquatic
• B. Desert
• C. Grazing
• D. Detritus

Hint:

Grazing food chain starts with plants, while detritus food chain starts with dead organic matter.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding types of food chains.
Food chains describe the transfer of energy from one trophic level to another. Different food chains begin with different primary sources of energy or matter.
Step 2: Detritus food chain.
The detritus food chain starts with dead and decaying organic matter, known as detritus, which is consumed by decomposers such as bacteria and fungi.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) Aquatic: Incorrect — refers to habitat, not the starting material.
(B) Desert: Incorrect — refers to an ecosystem, not a food chain type.
(C) Grazing: Incorrect — grazing food chain starts with living green plants.
(D) Detritus: Correct — it begins with dead organic matter.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The food chain that starts with dead decaying organic matter is the detritus food chain.