Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

General Biology

48. Ecology

Introduction to Ecology

Previous problemNext problem

1:49 minutes

Problem 3

Textbook Question

Which of the following groups is (are) absolutely essential to the functioning of an ecosystem?
a. Producers
b. Producers and herbivores
c. Producers, herbivores, and carnivores
d. Producers and decomposers

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of producers in an ecosystem: Producers, such as plants and algae, are essential because they convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis. This energy forms the base of the food chain, supporting all other organisms.

Examine the role of decomposers: Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, are crucial for recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They break down dead organisms and waste, ensuring that essential elements like nitrogen and phosphorus are available for producers to use.

Consider the roles of herbivores and carnivores: While herbivores and carnivores play important roles in energy transfer and population control, ecosystems can function without them, as long as producers and decomposers are present to maintain energy flow and nutrient cycling.

Evaluate the options provided: Producers are absolutely essential because they are the primary source of energy. Decomposers are also essential because they recycle nutrients. Herbivores and carnivores, while important, are not absolutely essential for ecosystem functioning.

Select the correct answer based on the analysis: The combination of producers and decomposers is absolutely essential for the functioning of an ecosystem, as they ensure energy flow and nutrient cycling. This corresponds to option d.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Video duration:

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Producers

Producers, or autotrophs, are organisms that can create their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. They form the base of the food chain, converting solar energy into chemical energy, which is then available to other organisms in the ecosystem. Examples include plants, algae, and some bacteria.

Decomposers

Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, play a critical role in ecosystems by breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients back into the soil. This process is essential for nutrient cycling, ensuring that producers have the necessary minerals and compounds to grow, thus maintaining ecosystem health.

Trophic Levels

Trophic levels represent the hierarchical positions of organisms in a food chain, categorized as producers, primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and decomposers. Each level depends on the one below it for energy, illustrating the interconnectedness of species and the flow of energy through an ecosystem.