Question 28.
(a) From the following group of organisms create a food chain which is most advantageous for human beings in terms of energy.
Hawk, Rat, Cereal plant, Goat, Snake, Human being
(b) State the possible disadvantage if the cereal plant is growing in soil rich in pesticides.
(c) Construct a food web using the organisms mentioned above. (answer all the parts)
Solution:
a) Cereal plant → Human being
a) Cereal plant → Human being
The above mentioned food chain has only two organisms so only two trophic levels. Since it has the least number of trophic levels, it can be considered as the most advantageous for human beings in terms of energy.
b) Pesticides affect the quality of soil and crops, leaving the soil infertile and cereal crops dangerous for consumption. They also make the pests resistant to the pesticides upon repetitive and excessive usage. Pesticides, more precisely synthetic pesticides are generally non-biodegradable in nature and are not metabolised if consumed by living beings, and remain in the body, hence they pollute the water bodies and also entire food chain.
c)
b) Pesticides affect the quality of soil and crops, leaving the soil infertile and cereal crops dangerous for consumption. They also make the pests resistant to the pesticides upon repetitive and excessive usage. Pesticides, more precisely synthetic pesticides are generally non-biodegradable in nature and are not metabolised if consumed by living beings, and remain in the body, hence they pollute the water bodies and also entire food chain.
c)