Q. Consider the following statements concerning food chains. I. Removal of 80% tigers from an area resulted in greatly increased growth of vegetation. II. Removal of most of the carnivores resulted in an increased population of deers. III. The length of food chains is generally limited to 3 to 4 trophic levels due to energy loss. IV. The length of food chains may vary from 2 to 8 trophic levels. Which two of the above statements are correct?
A) II and III
B) III and IV
C) I and IV
D) I and II
Explanation
The series of organisms eating one and being eaten by other is called food chain. A simple food chain consists of producers, herbivores and carnivores. The length of food chain is generally limited to 3-4 trophic levels due to energy loss. In grazing food chain, the producers (i.e., plants) are eaten by herbivores (i.e., rabbit, dear, cow, etc) and are eaten by carnivores. Therefore, the removal of most of the carnivores resulted in an increased population of deers.
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker
Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist
Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.