Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the relationship between water clarity and sea urchin survival in an aquatic ecosystem?
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48. Ecology
Introduction to Ecology
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In a trophic pyramid, which statement about producers is correct?
A
Producers form the base and support all other trophic levels.
B
Producers are always the highest level in trophic pyramids.
C
Producers are only found in aquatic ecosystems.
D
Producers occupy the same level as primary consumers.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a trophic pyramid: A trophic pyramid represents the flow of energy through an ecosystem, with different levels corresponding to producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Identify the role of producers: Producers, such as plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They form the base of the pyramid because they provide energy for all other levels.
Clarify the position of producers: Producers are always at the base of the trophic pyramid, not at the highest level. The highest levels are occupied by apex predators or tertiary consumers.
Address the ecosystem context: Producers are found in all ecosystems, not just aquatic ones. For example, terrestrial ecosystems have plants as producers, while aquatic ecosystems have algae and phytoplankton.
Differentiate producers from primary consumers: Producers occupy a distinct level at the base of the pyramid, while primary consumers (herbivores) occupy the next level above producers, feeding directly on them.
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