In which type of ecosystem does a larger fraction of energy flow through the detritus food chain?

Terrestrial ecosystems

The correct answer is b) Terrestrial ecosystems.

In terrestrial ecosystems, a larger fraction of energy flows through the detritus food chain compared to aquatic ecosystems. This is because terrestrial ecosystems often have a higher abundance of detritus or dead organic matter, such as leaf litter, fallen branches, and decaying plant material.

In terrestrial ecosystems, detritus can accumulate on the forest floor, in soil, or in other terrestrial habitats. This provides a substantial source of organic matter for decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, to break down and derive energy from. These decomposers play a vital role in the detritus food chain by decomposing dead organic material and releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

The detritus food chain in terrestrial ecosystems involves the breakdown of detritus by decomposers, followed by the consumption of the decomposers by detritivores or other organisms that feed on detritus. This transfer of energy from detritus to higher trophic levels contributes to a significant portion of the energy flow in terrestrial ecosystems.

In contrast, while detritus and decomposition still occur in aquatic ecosystems, the fraction of energy flowing through the detritus food chain is relatively smaller compared to terrestrial ecosystems. Aquatic ecosystems, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, often have a faster turnover of organic matter and a higher reliance on the grazing food chain, where energy is transferred from producers to herbivores and then to higher trophic levels.

While the specific distribution of energy flow can vary depending on the ecosystem and its characteristics, terrestrial ecosystems tend to have a larger fraction of energy flowing through the detritus food chain due to the accumulation of organic matter on land.