Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings

Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings

Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans

Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

Answer is Right!

Answer is Wrong!

This question was previously asked in

UPSC IAS – 2014

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In a typical aquatic food chain involving these organisms, diatoms are producers (phytoplankton), which form the base of the food chain by converting sunlight into energy. Crustaceans (like zooplankton) are primary consumers that feed on diatoms. Herrings are fish that feed on crustaceans, acting as secondary consumers. Therefore, the correct sequence is Diatoms -> Crustaceans -> Herrings.

– Food chains illustrate the flow of energy through an ecosystem.
– The sequence starts with producers, followed by consumers at different trophic levels.
– Diatoms (phytoplankton) are producers.
– Crustaceans (zooplankton) are primary consumers.
– Herrings (fish) are secondary consumers.

Other organisms might be involved in this food web, and herrings can also consume small fish, placing them at a higher trophic level in different food chains. However, the sequence provided in option A represents a valid and common food chain pathway.

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