Botany - Ecosystem Question with Solution | TestHub
Consider the following statements and select the correct option that fills in the blanks.
I. A ......... food chain begins with dead organic matter.
II. In xerarch succession the series progress from ................ conditions.
III. Breaking down of detritus into small particles by earthworm is called .........
Options:
Answer:
Solution:
Detritus is the dead organic material that includes the parts or bodies of dead organisms and their fecal matter. These organic contents are broken down into inorganic substances by the process called decomposition. Decomposition is a multi-step process where fragmentation is one of them. In fragmentation the detritus matter is broken down to smaller pieces, generally brought about by earthworm. Food chain starting with dead organic matter is termed as a detritus food chain (DFC).
Ecological succession is a sequential successive stage-wise process of conversion of barren land to a stable thriving ecosystem (climax). The development stages of the community in the ecological succession are called as seral stage and the ultimate stage is termed as climax. Hydrarch succession takes place in wetter areas and the successional series progress from hydric to the mesic conditions. As against this, xerarch succession takes place in dry areas and the series progress from xeric to mesic conditions.
