Arrange the following into a logical food chain from producer to top predator: (a) Frog (b) Eagle (c) Grasshopper (d) Snake (e) Grass.
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Ac, d, b, e, a
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Ba, c, e, b, d
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Ce, c, a, d, b
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De, c, d, b, a
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: e, c, a, d, b
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Food chains start with producers (plants), then primary consumers (herbivores), followed by secondary and higher-level consumers (carnivores). Recognizing trophic levels is essential.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Producer: Grass (e)
- Primary consumer: Grasshopper (c)
- Secondary consumer: Frog (a) — insectivore
- Tertiary consumer: Snake (d) — predator of frogs
- Apex predator here: Eagle (b) — can prey on snakes
Concept / Approach:Follow the direction of energy flow: plant → herbivore → small carnivore → larger carnivore → apex predator.
Step-by-Step Solution:1) Grass (e) — photosynthetic producer.2) Grasshopper (c) — herbivore feeding on grass.3) Frog (a) — eats insects such as grasshoppers.4) Snake (d) — feeds on frogs.5) Eagle (b) — can prey on snakes; top of this chain.
Verification / Alternative check:The chain e → c → a → d → b respects increasing trophic levels and common ecological interactions.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:They misplace producers or reverse predator–prey relations (e.g., placing frog before grass).
Common Pitfalls:Confusing “who eats whom” between similar carnivores; remember frogs consume insects, and snakes can consume frogs.
Final Answer:e, c, a, d, b