What type of food chain exhibits the following way of transfer of energy in an ecology? Dead organism → Fungi → Bacteria

Question

What type of food chain exhibits the following way of transfer of energy in an ecology?

Dead organism → Fungi → Bacteria

1. A. Producer food chain
2. B. Parasitic food chain
3. C. Saprophytic food chain (Correct answer)
4. D. Predator food chain

Correct Answer

Option C — Saprophytic food chain

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Saprophytic food chain.

Key Points

• 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.