Match List-I with List-II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

(A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(I)

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A)-(IV), (B)-(III), (C)-(II), (D)-(I)

To match the trophic levels in an ecosystem with the correct examples from the given lists, we need to understand the flow of energy and the position of each organism in the food chain.

Trophic Levels:

First trophic level: Producers (e.g., plants, phytoplankton) that make their own food via photosynthesis.

Second trophic level: Primary consumers (herbivores) that feed on producers.

Third trophic level: Secondary consumers (carnivores) that feed on primary consumers.

Fourth trophic level: Tertiary consumers (top carnivores) that feed on secondary consumers.

So,

• Phytoplankton are producers (first trophic level).
• Zooplankton are primary consumers (second trophic level) as they feed on phytoplankton.
• Fishes (assuming small fish that eat zooplankton) are secondary consumers (third trophic level). Larger fish that eat smaller fish could be tertiary, but typically in a simple chain, fishes are secondary consumers.
• Man (humans) can be at various levels, but if they eat fish, they are tertiary consumers (fourth trophic level).