Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Biology

Chapter

Ecosystem

Question:

All food chains begin with producers, except -

Options:

Detritus food chain

Terrestrial food chain

Aquatic food chain

Food web

Correct Answer:

Detritus food chain

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (1) → Detritus food chain    

The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter. It is made up of decomposers which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. These are also known as saprotrophs (sapro: to decompose). Decomposers secrete digestive enzymes that breakdown dead and waste materials into simple, inorganic materials, which are subsequently absorbed by them.