Chapter 2, Problem 20A

Summary Introduction

Introduction :

The food chain is a sequence of producer and different consumers. In an ecosystem, a single food chain does not operate but many food chains operate at a time in any ecosystem. A network of different food chains operating in a given ecosystem is called a food web. The given illustration is a food web of a terrestrial ecosystem.

Answer to Problem 20A

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (A) a food web.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer :

Option (A) a food web. A network of different food chains operating in an ecosystem is called food web. In the given illustration, many food chains are in operation and the food chains are interconnected. Thus, the correct answer is an option (A).

The explanation for the incorrect answer :

Option (B) a food chain. A food chain is the linear sequence of different organisms in which one organism is being eaten by others. Thus, this is an incorrect option.

Option (C) an ecological pyramid. An ecological pyramid is a presentation of the relationship in a graphical form between different organisms in an ecosystem. Thus, this is an incorrect answer.

Option (D) a pyramid of energy. A pyramid of energy is graphical representation showing the flow of energy at each trophic level in an ecosystem. 

Thus, this is an incorrect answer.