Consumers-biotic components , Biology

Assignment Help:

Consumers

Heterotrophs (other nourishing) are incapable of photosynthesis and depend on organic food derived from animals, plants or both. Consumers can be divided into two broad groups namely macro and micro consumers. (i) Macro consumers or phagotrophs feed on plants or animals or both and are categorised on the basis of their food'sources. Herbivores are primary consumers which feed mainly on plants e.g. cow, rabbit. Carnivores feed only on animals. Secondary consumers feed on primary consumers e.g. wolves. Carnivores which feed on secondary consumers are called tertiary consumers e.g. lions which can eat wolves. Organisms which consume both plants and animals are called omnivores e.g. men. (ii) Micro consumers - Saprotrophs (decomposers or osmotrophs) are chiefly bacteria and fungi which obtain energy and nutrients by decomposing dead organic substances (detritus) of plant and animal origin. Some of the products of decomposition such as inorganic nutrients released in the ecosystem are reused by producers and thus recycled. Earthworm and certain soil organisms such as nematodes, and arthropods are also detritus feeders and help in the decomposition of organic matter.


Related Discussions:- Consumers-biotic components

Primary production - ecosystem, Primary Production - Ecosystem Energy ...

Primary Production - Ecosystem Energy accumulated by plants during photosynthesis is called production or more specifically primary production. It is the first and the basic f

Aortic valve replacement-surgical techniques, Aortic Valve replacement ...

Aortic Valve replacement :  The initial steps of the operation have been described earlier. Ascending aorta is cannulated. A single two-stage atrio-venous cannula is inse

Living beings are made of inorganic and organic substances, Q. Living being...

Q. Living beings are made of inorganic and organic substances. According to the molecular complexity how can each of those substances be classified? Inorganic substances, mole

Activation of a fatty acid, Small-  and  medium-chain   acyl  CoA  molecule...

Small-  and  medium-chain   acyl  CoA  molecules  (up  to  10  carbon  atoms)  are readily capable to cross the inner mitochondrial  membrane by diffusion. Furthermore, longer chai

Etiological factors contributing to lactose intolerance, Q. Etiological fac...

Q. Etiological factors contributing to lactose intolerance? The etiological factors contributing to lactose intolerance include: • Genetic factor • Reduction in jejunal

What do you understand by parapodia, What do you understand by Parapodia? ...

What do you understand by Parapodia? Paired lateral, unjointed appendages of polychaete worms. Parapodia have a variety of shapes, and their appearance is related to their nume

Excretion, what are the excretory organs of birds

what are the excretory organs of birds

Drawbacks of fats and sweets in diabetics, Drawbacks of Fats and Sweets in ...

Drawbacks of Fats and Sweets in diabetics Diabetics should eat less fats and sweets. Fats found in burger, cheese and butter etc. should especially be avoided. Even when  a pat

Define the goals of treatment of obesity, Define the Goals of treatment of ...

Define the Goals of treatment of Obesity? As said in the beginning, the goal of treatment of obesity today has shifted from mere 'weight loss' to 'weight management'. Each weig

Reflexes, Reflexes It is used to assess the neurobehavioural status....

Reflexes It is used to assess the neurobehavioural status. Rooting reflex - Being a primitive reflex, if cheek is rubbed, the infant will turn his head into that dire

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd