JKSSB Sub Inspector of Police (JKPSI) 2022 — Q101 Solved Answer with Explanation
JKSSB Sub Inspector of Police (JKPSI) — Environment & Ecology — 2022
View the full solved paper: JK PSI 2022
Question
What type of food chain exhibits the following way of transfer of energy in an ecology? Dead organism → Fungi → Bacteria
- A. Producer food chain
- B. Parasitic food chain
- C. Saprophytic food chain (Correct answer)
- D. Predator food chain
Correct Answer
Option C — Saprophytic food chain
Detailed Solution & Explanation
The food chain "Dead organism -> Fungi -> Bacteria" represents the Saprophytic (Detritus) food chain. Saprophytes are organisms (mainly fungi and bacteria) that obtain their nutrition by decomposing dead organic matter (detritus). Unlike the producer food chain (starting with green plants) or predator food chain (involving living prey), the saprophytic chain begins with dead organisms. This process of decomposition is essential for recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Parasitic food chains involve parasites living on a host.