NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Biology
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Biology · Chapter
Earthworms feed on fragmented plant remains and soil organic matter...
Earthworms feed on fragmented plant remains and soil organic matter in an agricultural field. Ecologically, they are participating in which of the following pathways of energy flow?
Options
- AGrazing food chain as primary producers
- BDetritus food chain as detritivores
- CParasitic food chain as primary consumers
- DGrazing food chain as secondary consumers
Correct answer
B. Detritus food chain as detritivores
Step-by-step solution
Earthworms feed on dead and decaying organic matter, such as fragmented plant remains and soil organic matter, which is known as detritus.
Organisms that feed on detritus are called detritivores. By breaking down this organic matter, they play a crucial role in the detritus food chain, facilitating the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Therefore, earthworms participate in the detritus food chain as detritivores.
Answer: Detritus food chain as detritivores
Organisms that feed on detritus are called detritivores. By breaking down this organic matter, they play a crucial role in the detritus food chain, facilitating the recycling of nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Therefore, earthworms participate in the detritus food chain as detritivores.
Answer: Detritus food chain as detritivores