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Multiple Choice
Which trophic level is primarily responsible for converting solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis?
A
Primary consumers (herbivores)
B
Secondary consumers (carnivores)
C
Decomposers
D
Producers (autotrophs)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of trophic levels: Trophic levels represent the hierarchical positions in a food chain, starting with producers and moving up to various levels of consumers and decomposers.
Recognize the role of producers (autotrophs): Producers are organisms, such as plants, algae, and some bacteria, that can convert solar energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.
Recall the process of photosynthesis: Producers use sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and water (H₂O) to produce glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂). The chemical equation for photosynthesis is: .
Differentiate between trophic levels: Primary consumers (herbivores) feed on producers, secondary consumers (carnivores) feed on primary consumers, and decomposers break down organic matter. Only producers are capable of directly converting solar energy into chemical energy.
Conclude that producers (autotrophs) are the trophic level responsible for converting solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, as they form the base of the food chain and support all other trophic levels.