Chapter 2, Problem 8STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction : The energy in the living organisms is termed as its biomass. Food webs are identified by their biomass. In a food web, each trophic level has a different biomass. The producers have the maximum biomass as they convert the sun’s energy into biomass.

Answer to Problem 8STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option A. Foxes

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option A. Foxes - We know that higher the trophic level, lower is the biomass and the lower trophic levels have greater biomass. Since the foxes are at the top of the given food web, they have the least biomass. Hence this is the correct option.

Explanation for incorrect answer

Option B. Green plants- These have the greatest biomass. Since green plants are autotrophs, they have largest biomass. Hence, this is not a correct option.

Option C. Mice- Biomass decreases at each trophic level. Mice are in the second trophic level so it has less biomass than green plants but more biomass than foxes. Hence, this is an incorrect option.

Option D. Rabbits- Biomass decreases at each trophic level. Rabbits are in the second trophic level so it has less biomass than green plants but more biomass than foxes. Hence, this is an incorrect option.