Q33
3 marksShort AnswerSection C

Study the picture given below showing three food chains (a), (b) and (c) and answer the following questions: (i) Name the type of ecosystems that exist in food chains (b) and (c). (ii) The first trophic level in all food chains are producers. Why? What percentage of solar energy do these producers capture for their use? (iii) Why are the arrows shown in the diagram in one direction only and not vice versa? Justify.

Figure for question 33
Our Environment
Ecosystems and Food Chains
Official Answer

The type of ecosystems that exist in food chains (b) and (c) are aquatic ecosystems. The first trophic level in all food chains are producers because they capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Producers capture about 1% of the solar energy that falls on their leaves. The arrows shown in the diagram are in one direction only because energy flows from one trophic level to the next, but not vice versa. This is because energy is lost at each trophic level, and it cannot be transferred back to the previous level.

aquatic ecosystemsproducerssolar energyenergy flow

Marking Scheme

  • 1Type of ecosystems
  • 2Role of producers
  • 3Percentage of solar energy captured
  • 4Direction of energy flow

Hint

The type of ecosystems that exist in food chains (b) and (c) are aquatic ecosystems. The first trophic level in all food chains are producers because they capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Producers capture about 1% of the solar energy that falls on their leaves. The arrows shown in the diagram are in one direction only because energy flows from one trophic level to the next, but not vice versa. This is because energy is lost at each trophic level, and it cannot be transferred back to the previous level.

Quick Oral Answer

The type of ecosystems that exist in food chains (b) and (c) are aquatic ecosystems. The first trophic level in all food chains are producers because they capture solar energy and convert it into chemical energy through photosynthesis. Producers capture about 1% of the solar energy that falls on their leaves. The arrows shown in the diagram are in one direction only because energy flows from one trophic level to the next, but not vice versa. This is because energy is lost at each trophic level, and it cannot be transferred back to the previous level.

Analysis & Explanation

The question requires the student to analyze the food chains and identify the type of ecosystems that exist in them. It also requires the student to understand the role of producers in the food chain and the percentage of solar energy they capture. Finally, it requires the student to understand the direction of energy flow in the food chain and why it is unidirectional.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1confusing the type of ecosystems
  2. 2not understanding the role of producers
  3. 3not knowing the percentage of solar energy captured
  4. 4not understanding the direction of energy flow

Interesting Facts

Aquatic ecosystems are found in freshwater and marine environments.

Producers are the primary source of energy for all living organisms.

The percentage of solar energy captured by producers varies depending on the type of ecosystem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2024?

This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Our Environment" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Ecosystems and Food Chains" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section C in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2024 paper.