Question:

Herbivores are also called as key industry animals because they convert plant matter into animal matter. Decomposers play a pivotal role in the ecosystem and they indirectly support the producers.

Updated On: Jul 6, 2022
  • If both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion
  • If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion
  • If assertion is true but reason is false
  • If both assertion and reason are false
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

According to Elton $(1939)$, herbivorous animals are key industry animals as they convert plant matter into animal matter and all other consumers' (higher animals') lives are dependent upon these primary consumers. Decomposers (also called as transformers) transform organic compounds into simple inorganic compounds. Saprophytic fungi and bacteria belong to this category. They act upon dead bodies of plants and animals and decompose them to their elemental stage. These in turn can be used by producers for their growth and photosynthetic activity. In this way, decomposers indirectly support the producers and play a pivotal role in ecosystem.
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Concepts Used:

Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a structural and functional unit of ecology where the living organisms come in to interact with each other and the surrounding environment.

Structure of the Ecosystem:

The structure of an ecosystem is distinguished by the organization of both biotic and abiotic components. This involves the distribution of energy in our environment. It also comprises the climatic conditions prevailing in that particular environment. 

There are two main components of the structure of an ecosystem, namely: 

  • Biotic Components
  • Abiotic Components

The biotic and abiotic components are interconnected in an ecosystem. It is an open system where the energy and components can flow through the boundaries.