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Multiple Choice
How does a lion, which is a carnivore, ultimately depend on plants for survival?
A
Lions eat plants directly for energy.
B
Lions do not depend on plants in any way.
C
Lions use plants only for shelter and not for energy.
D
Lions rely on herbivores that eat plants, transferring energy from plants to lions through the food chain.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a food chain: A food chain represents the flow of energy and nutrients through different organisms in an ecosystem, starting from producers (plants) to consumers (herbivores and carnivores).
Recognize the role of plants as primary producers: Plants use sunlight to perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. This energy serves as the foundation for all life in the ecosystem.
Identify herbivores as primary consumers: Herbivores feed on plants, obtaining the chemical energy stored in plant tissues. This energy is then transferred to the herbivores' bodies.
Understand the lion's role as a secondary or tertiary consumer: Lions, being carnivores, feed on herbivores (such as zebras or antelopes). By consuming herbivores, lions indirectly obtain the energy originally produced by plants.
Conclude that lions depend on plants indirectly: Without plants, herbivores would not have a source of energy, and lions would lack prey to sustain their survival. This demonstrates the interconnectedness of all organisms in the food chain.