Which of the following is true for every ecosystem? There are A. less producers than herbivores. B. less herbivores than carnivores. C. more carnivores than herbivores. D. more herbivores than carnivores.
Answer (1)
In every ecosystem, the relationships between producers, herbivores, and carnivores are crucial to maintaining balance and energy flow. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the roles and numbers of these groups:
Producers : These are primarily plants and algae that make their own food through photosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain. Since they use sunlight to produce energy, their numbers are typically abundant.
Herbivores : These are animals that eat plants. They are also known as primary consumers. They depend directly on producers for their energy. In most ecosystems, there are fewer herbivores than producers because a large amount of plant matter is needed to support one herbivore.
Carnivores : These are animals that eat other animals (herbivores or other carnivores). They are secondary or tertiary consumers, depending on what they eat. There are usually fewer carnivores than herbivores because carnivores need a lot of herbivores to sustain them in terms of energy.
Therefore, the statement that "there are more herbivores than carnivores" is generally true for every ecosystem. This balance ensures that energy and resources are efficiently cycled through the ecosystem.
The correct answer is D. more herbivores than carnivores.
