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What is the detritus food chain made up of?

Options

  1. AProducers
  2. BHeterotrophic organisms
  3. CAutotrophic organisms
  4. DConsumers

Correct answer

B. Heterotrophic organisms

Step-by-step solution

The detritus food chain (DFC) begins with dead organic matter. It is made up of decomposers which are heterotrophic organisms, mainly fungi and bacteria. They meet their energy and nutrient requirements by degrading dead organic matter or detritus. These are also known as saprotrophs (sapro: to decompose). Decomposers secrete digestive enzymes that breakdown dead and waste materials into simple, inorganic materials, which are subsequently absorbed by them.

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