Read the following statements regarding trophic levels in an ecosystem. Statement I: A given species can never occupy more than one trophic level in the same ecosystem at the same time. Statement II: A sparrow acts as a primary consumer when it eats seeds, peas, or fruits. Statement III: A sparrow acts as a secondary consumer when it eats insects and worms. Statement IV: The trophic level represents a functional leve

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is incorrect. According to NCERT, a given species may occupy more than one trophic level in the same ecosystem at the same time depending on its feeding choices. Statement II is correct. When a sparrow eats plant products like seeds, peas, or fruits, it feeds directly on producers, acting as a primary consumer (second trophic level). Statement III is correct. When a sparrow eats insects and worms (which are primary consumers), it acts as a secondary consumer (third trophic level). Statement IV is correc