ECOSYSTEM

1. Which of the following is an abiotic component of a pond ecosystem?

(A) Zooplankton
(B) Phytoplankton
(C) Temperature
(D) Decomposers

2. In an ecosystem, stratification refers to

(A) Vertical distribution of different species
(B) Horizontal layering of the soil
(C) Movement of energy across trophic levels
(D) Formation of new ecological niches

3. Primary productivity in an ecosystem is defined as then

(A) Rate of conversion of organic matter to energy
(B) Rate of conversion of solar energy to chemical energy
(C) Rate of decomposition of organic material
(D) Transfer of energy between trophic levels

4. Assertion (A): Energy transfer in an ecosystem is unidirectional,

Reason (R): Energy is dissipated as heat in each trophic levei.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and Rare true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

5. Match the Column-I with Column-II:

Column-I Column-II
a. Autotrophs 1. Energy producers
b. Decomposers 2. Nutrient recycling
c. Zooplankton 3. Primary consumers
d. Abiotic components 4. Water, soil, and temperature

(A) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4

(B) a-2, b-3, c-1, d-4
(C) a-1, b-4, c-2, d-3
(D) a-3, b-1, c-4, d-2

6. Which of the following statements are correct?

(1) A pond is an example of an aquatic ecosystem.
(2) Decomposers help in the mineralisation of dead matter.
(3) Energy flows in a circular manner in an ecosystem.
(4) Phytoplankton are primary producers in a pond ecosystem.
(A) Only 1 and 2
(B) Only 3
(C) Only 1, 2 and 4
(D) None of these

7. Which of the following are characteristics of a self-sustaining ecosystem?

(1) Presence of producers, consumers, and decomposers
(2) Cyclic flow of energy
(3) Continuous input of solar energy
(4) Stratification of species

(A) Only 1, 2, and 3

(B) Only 1, 2, and 4
(C) Only 2 and 3
(D) None of these

Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page

1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (B) 4. (A) 5. (A) 6. (C) 7. (A)

ECOSYSTEM

1. Gross primary productivity (GPP) of an ecosystem refers to

(A) Energy left after respiration
(B) Energy available to herbivores and decomposers
(C) Total organic matter produced during photosynthesis
(D) Biomass available for secondary productivity

2. Net primary productivity (NPP) is calculated by:

(A) GPP-R
(B) GPP + R
(C) GPP+R
(D) GPP x R

3. Assertion (A): Decomposers are crucial for nutrient cycling in an ecosystem

Reason (R): Decomposers break down organic material into inorganic substances through processes like
humification and mineralisation.
(A) Both A and Rare true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

4. Assertion (A): Oceans have the highest gross primary productivity among ecosystems.
Reason (R): Oceans occupy about 70% of the Earth's surface but have low nutrient availability.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and Rare true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

5. Match the Column-I with Column-II:

Column-I Column-II
a. GPP 1. Energy used during respiration
b. NPP 2. GPP-R
c. Decomposition 3. Breakdown of organic material
d. Secondary productivity 4. Energy for herbivores and
decomposers

(A) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4

(B) a-4, b – 3, c-1, d-2
(C) a - 1 b - 4, c – 2, d-3
(D) a - 3, b – 2, c-4, d-1

6. Which of the following statements is/are correct about decomposition?

(1) Decomposers help in mineralisation of nutrients.
(2) Fragmentation is carried out by detritivores.
(3) Humification leads to the accumulation of organic matter.
(4) Catabolism converts detritus into simpler substances.

(A) Only 1, 2, and 3

(B) Only 1, 2, and 4
(C) Only 2
(D) All of these

7. Select the correct statements regarding ocean productivity?

(1) Oceans have the highest total productivity due to their large area.
(2) Oceans have low primary productivity per unit area.
(3) Oceans occupy only 30% of the Earth's surface.
(4) Low nutrient availability limits productivity in oceans.

(A) Only 1 and 3

(B) Only 2 and 4
(C) Only 3
(D) Only 1, 2 and 4

Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page

1. (C) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (D) 5. (A) 6. (D) 7. (D)

ECOSYSTEM

1. Which of the following represents the last step in the decomposition process
(A) Fragmentation
(B) Humification
(C) Mineralisation
(D) Catabolism

2. What is humus in the decomposition process?

(A) The substance formed during mineralisation
(B) A dark, colloidal, nutrient-rich substance resistant to microbial action
(C) A product of fragmentation by earthworms
(D) A nutrient-poor byproduct of leaching

3. Decomposition is slowed down in which of the following conditions?

(A) Warm and moist environment
(B) High nitrogen content in detritus
(C) Anaerobic and low-temperature conditions
(D) High lignin and chitin content in detritus

4. Assertion (A): Humus acts as a reservoir of nutrients.

Reason (R): Humus undergoes rapid decomposition and releases nutrients immediately.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and Rare true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

5. Assertion (A): Decomposition rate is slow when detritus contains high lignin content
Reason (R): Lignin provides a readily digestible energy source for decomposers.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

6. Match the Column-I with Column-II:

Column-I Column-II
a. Fragmentation 1. Breakdown of detritus into smaller particles
b. Humification 2. Formation of nutrient-rich, dark, amorphous material
c. Mineralisation 3. Release of inorganic nutrients
d. Leaching 4. Soluble nutrients move into soil horizon

(A) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4

(B) a-4, b-1, c-2, d-3
(C) a-2, b-3, c-4, d-1
(D) a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2

7. Which of the following are correct regarding decomposition?

(1) Temperature and soil moisture affect the rate of decomposition.
(2) Low temperature favors decomposition.
(3) Aerobic conditions inhibit decomposition.
(4) High lignin content in detritus slows down decomposition.

(A) Only 1, 2, and 3

(B) Only 1, 3, and 4
(C) Only 2 and 4
(D) All of these

Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page

1. (C) 2. (B) 3. (D) 4. (C) 5. (C) 6. (A) 7. (B)

ECOSYSTEM

1. What percentage of the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) is captured by plants

(A) 1-5%
(B) 2-10%
(C) 10-15%
(D) 20-25%

2. Which of the following represents the correct order of a grazing food chain?
(A) Grass Man Goat
(B) Goat Grass Man
(C) Grass Goat Man
(D) Man Grass Goat

3. What is the source of energy for all terrestrial ecosystems?

(A) Soil nutrients
(B) Solar energy
(C) Chemical energy
(D) Organic matter

4. Assertion (A): Producers are autotrophs that capture energy from sunlight.
Reason (R): Autotrophs depend on heterotrophs for their food supply.
(A) Both A and Rare true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

5. Match the Column-I with Column-II:

Column-I Column-II
a. Primary producers 1. Herbaceous plants
b. Primary consumers 2. Herbivores
c. Secondary consumers 3. Carnivores
d. Decomposers 4. Bacteria and fungi

(A) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4

(B) a-2, b-3, c-1, d-4
(C) a-3, b-4, c-1, d-2
(D) a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1

6. Which of the following statements are correct regarding the Second Law of Thermodynamics in
ecosystems?
(1) Energy flow is unidirectional.
(2) Energy is conserved in ecosystems.
(3) Some energy is lost as heat during transfer between trophic levels.
(4) Solar energy is the primary source of energy in ecosystems.

(A) Only 1, 3, and 4

(B) Only 1 and 2
(C) Only 2 and 3
(D) All of these

7. Identify the correct statements about food chains and webs?

(1) No energy trapped by producers is passed to higher trophic levels.
(2) Death of organisms marks the beginning of the detritus food chain.
(3) Herbivores are primary consumers.
(4) All energy is recycled in an ecosystem.

(A) Only 1 and 4

(B) Only 2 and 3
(C) Only 3
(D) All of these

Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page

 1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (B) 4. (C) 5. (A) 6. (A) 7. (B)
ECOSYSTEM

1. What is the primary source of energy for the detritus food chain (DFC)?
(A) Living plants
(B) Dead organic matter
(C) Sunlight
(D) Primary consumers

2. Winch trophic level do decomposers belong to in a food web?

(A) First trophic level
(B) Second trophic level
(C) They have no specific trophic level
(D) Third trophic level

3. What kind of consumers occupy the third trophic level in an ecosystem?

(A) Herbivores
(B) Primary consumers
(C) Secondary consumers
(D) Tertiary consumers

4. Humans are classified as which type of consumer?

(A) Producers
(B) Primary consumers
(C) Secondary and tertiary consumers
(D) Decomposers

5. Assertion (A): Energy transfer between trophic levels in a food chain is not 100% efficient.
Reason (R): A significant amount of energy is lost as heat during energy transfer.
(A) Both A and Rare true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

6. Assertion (A): Grazing food chain (GRC) is the main pathway of energy flow in aquatic ecosystems.
Reason (R): In terrestrial ecosystems, the detritus food chain (DFC) contributes significantly to energy flow.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R' is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

7. Which of the following statements are correct about trophic levels in an ecosystem?
(1) Decomposers belong to the fourth trophic level.
(2) Herbivores occupy the second trophic level.
(3) Lions can be classified as tertiary consumers.
(4) Energy flow is 100% efficient between trophic levels.

(A) Only 2 and 3

(B) Only 1 and 4
(C) Only 3
(D) All of these

8. Which of the following are examples of detritivores?

(1) Earthworms
(2) Cockroaches
(3) Fungi
(4) Zooplankton

(A) Only 1 and 2

(B) Only 1 and 3
(C) Only 1, 2, and 3
(D) All of these

Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page

1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (C) 4. (C) 5. (A) 6. (A) 7. (A) 8. (C)

ECOSYSTEM

1. What does the term "standing crop” in an ecosystem refer to?

(A) Total energy in a trophic level
(B) Total mass of living material in a unit area
(C) Total number of species in an ecosystem
(D) Total number of producers in an ecosystem

2. Why is energy transfer between trophic levels restricted to about 10%7

(A) Energy is lost as heat.
(B) Energy is used up by the organism for metabolic activities.
(C) Energy is stored as biomass.
(D) Both (A) and (B)

3. Which trophic level is represented by herbivores in an ecosystem?

(A) Producers
(B) Primary consumers
(C) Secondary consumers
(D) Decomposers

4. Why is dry weight considered more accurate for measuring biomass?

(A) It avoids the variability caused by water content in organisms.
(B) It measures energy directly.
(C) It includes all trophic levels.
(D) It is easier to measure in all ecosystems.

5. Assertion (A): The number of trophic levels in an ecosystem is limited.

Reason (R): Only 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

6. Match the Column-1 with Column-II:

Column-I Column-II
a. First trophic level 1. Herbivores
b. Second trophic level 2. Tertiary consumers
c. Third trophic level 3. Carnivores
d. Fourth trophic level 4. Producers

(A) a-4, b-1, c-3, d-2

(B) a-1, b-4, c-2, d-3
(C) a-3, b-2, c-1, d-4
(D) a-2, b-3, c-4, d-1

7. Which of the following statements are correct about the grazing food chain?
(1) Energy transfer is always unidirectional.
(2) Herbivores are primary consumers.
(3) Energy flow follows the 10% law.
(4) Top carnivores are secondary consumers.

(A) Only 1 and 2

(B) Only 1, 2, and 3
(C) Only 3 and 4
(D) All of these

Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page

1. (B) 2. (D) 3. (B) 4. (A) 5. (A) 6. (A) 7. (B)

ECOSYSTEM

1. What does the base of an ecological pyramid represent?

(A) Producers
(B) Primary consumers
(C) (C)Secondary consumers
(D) Tertiary consumers

2. Which type of ecological pyramid is always upright?

(A) Pyramid of energy
(B) Pyramid of biomass
(C) Pyramid of numbers
(D) Both (A) and (C)

3. In a grassland ecosystem, which trophic level has the highest number of individuals?
(A) Producers
(B) Primary consumers
(C) Secondary consumers
(D) Tertiary consumers

4. What does an inverted pyramid of biomass indicate?

(A) Biomass of producers is more than primary consumers
(B) Biomass of producers is less than primary consumers
(C) Biomass of tertiary consumers is greater than secondary consumers
(D) None of the above

5. Assertion (A): Pyramid of energy can never be inverted.

Reason (R): Energy flow in an ecosystem is always unidirectional.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

6. Match the Column-I with Column-II:

Column-I Column-II
a. Pyramid of energy 1. May be upright or inverted
b. Pyramid of biomass 2. Always upright
c. Pyramid of numbers 3. Pyramid of numbers is
upright
d. Grassland pyramid 4. Shows number of individual

(A) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4

(B) a-2, b-1, c-4, d-3
(C) a-3, b-2, c-1, d-4
(D) a-4, 6-3, c-2, 4-1

7. Which of the following are correct about ecological pyramids?

(1) Pyramid of energy always narrows as it goes up.
(2) Inverted pyramids are common in aquatic ecosystems.
(3) Number of tertiary consumers is always greater than secondary consumers.
(4) Pyramids provide quantitative representation of ecosystem structure.

(A) Only 1, 2, and 4

(B) Only 1 and 3
(C) Only 3 and 4
(D) All of these

8. Which of the following cases do we observe inverted pyramids?

(1) Biomass in an aquatic ecosystem
(2) Energy flow in a forest ecosystem
(3) Numbers in a parasitic food chain
(4) Biomass in a grassland ecosystem

(A) Only 1 and 3

(B) Only 2 and 4
(C) Only 3
(D) All of these
Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page
1. (A) 2. (A) 3. (A) 4. (B) 5. (A) 6. (B) 7. (A) 8. (A)
ECOSYSTEM

1. What percentage of energy is transferred from primary producers to primary consumers according to
Figure 124 (d)?
(A) 16
(B) 10%
(C) 0.1%
(D) 5%

2. Which of the following pyramids can never be inverted?

(A) Pyramid of numbers
(B) Pyramid of biomass
(C) Pyramid of energy
(D) All pyramids can be inverted

3. Why is the energy pyramid always upright?

(A) Energy decreases at successive trophic levels
(B) Energy increases at successive trophic levels
(C) Energy remains constant at all levels
(D) Energy flow is bidirectional

4. Assertion (A): The pyramid of biomass is inverted in aquatic ecosystems.

Reason (R): Phytoplankton have lower biomass than zooplankton but higher turnover rate.
(A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and Rare true, but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false, but R is true.

5. Match the Column-I with Column-II:

Column-I Column-II
a. Pyramid of energy 1. Always upright
b. Pyramid of biomass 2. Inverted in aquatic ecosystems
c. Pyramid of numbers 3. May be upright or inverted
d. 10% Law 4. Energy transfer efficiency

(A) a-1, b-2, c-3, d-4

(B) a-2, b-4, c-1, d-3
(C) a-3, b-1, c-4, d-2
(D) a-4, b-3, c-2, d-1

6. Which of the following are correct regarding energy flow in ecosystems?

(1) Energy transfer is 100% efficient at all trophic levels.
(2) Energy decreases as we move to higher trophic levels.
(3) Energy flow is governed by the 10% law.
(4) Energy flow is bidirectional.

(A) Only 1 and 3

(B) Only 2 and 3
(C) Only 4
(D) All of these

7. If the energy available at the producer level is 10,000 1, how much energy is available at the tertiary
consumer level?
(A) 10J
(B) 100 J
(C) 1000 J
(D) 1J

Answer Key of Questions on Previous Page

1. (B) 2. (C) 3. (A) 4. (A) 5. (A) 6. (B) 7. (A)