| 1. | herbivores | 2. | trees |
| 3. | shrubs | 4. | grasses |
| I: | conversion of inorganic into organic material, with the help of the radiant energy of the sun, by the autotrophs |
| II: | consumption of the autotrophs by heterotrophs; |
| III: | decomposition and mineralization of the dead matter to release them back for reuse by the autotrophs. |
| I: | A constant input of solar energy is the basic requirement for almost all ecosystems to function and sustain. |
| II: | There is unidirectional movement of energy towards the higher trophic levels and its dissipation as heat to the environment. |
| 1. | Primary production | 2. | Primary productivity |
| 3. | Secondary production | 4. | Secondary productivity |
| Statement I: | Gross primary productivity (GPP) minus respiration losses (R), is the net primary productivity (NPP). |
| Statement II: | GPP is available for consumption by herbivores. |
| I: | is dead plant remains such as leaves, bark, flowers and dead remains of animals, including fecal matter. |
| II: | is the raw material for decomposition. |
| Assertion (A): | Detritivores play an important role as recyclers in the ecosystem's energy flow and biogeochemical cycles. |
| Reason (R): | Detritivores, alongside decomposers, reintroduce vital elements such as carbon, nitrogen, back into the soil, allowing plants to take in these elements and use them for growth. |
| 1. | Both (A) and (R) are True and (R) correctly explains (A). |
| 2. | Both (A) and (R) are True but (R) does not correctly explain (A). |
| 3. | (A) is True but (R) is False. |
| 4. | Both (A) and (R) are False. |
| I: | Fragmentation | Detritivores break down detritus into smaller particles. |
| II: | Leaching | Water-soluble inorganic nutrients go down into the soil horizon and get precipitated as unavailable salts. |
| III: | Catabolism | Bacterial and fungal enzymes degrade detritus into simpler inorganic substances. |