Match Column 1 with Column 2.
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| 1) Consumer | a) Phytoplankton |
| 2) Autotroph | b) Fungi |
| 3) Decomposer | c) Dead plant remains |
| 4) Detritus | d) Zooplankton |
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c
(1) Consumer — this matches (d) Zooplankton. Zooplankton are tiny floating animals of a pond. They feed on the phytoplankton, so they are consumers.
(2) Autotroph — this matches (a) Phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are tiny floating plants and algae. They make their own food by photosynthesis, so they are autotrophs (producers).
(3) Decomposer — this matches (b) Fungi. Fungi, with bacteria, break down dead organic matter into simple inorganic substances.
(4) Detritus — this matches (c) Dead plant remains. Detritus is dead plant and animal matter, such as fallen leaves and bark. It is the raw material for decomposition.
NCERT Extract:
Ecosystem – Structure and Function – “… The autotrophic components include the phytoplankton, some algae and the floating, submerged and marginal plants found at the edges. The consumers are represented by the zooplankton, the free swimming and bottom dwelling forms. The decomposers are the fungi, bacteria and flagellates especially abundant in the bottom of the pond.”
Decomposition – “… Dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter, constitute detritus, which is the raw material for decomposition.”