Theory question 108
Feeding Relationships and Energy Flow(a) Explain the following terms:
(i) Producer (ii) Consumer (iii) Community
(iv) Decomposer
(b) List four characteristics each of:
(i) Trees of the Tropical Rain Forest (ii) Trees/Shrubs of the Savanna
Show the model answer
(a)(i) Producer: an autotrophic organism, usually a green plant, that makes its own food from simple substances by photosynthesis and is the first link in a food chain.
(ii) Consumer: a heterotrophic organism (animal) that cannot make its own food and feeds on producers or other consumers.
(iii) Community: all the populations of different species living together and interacting in one habitat.
(iv) Decomposer: an organism such as a bacterium or fungus that breaks down dead organic matter and wastes, releasing simple nutrients back into the soil.
(b)(i) Rain forest trees (any four): very tall (often over 30 m); straight trunks with branches only near the top; thin, smooth bark; large, broad, evergreen leaves, often with drip tips; form layers and a closed canopy; buttress or stilt roots; shallow roots; many climbers and epiphytes on them.
(ii) Savanna trees/shrubs (any four): short and scattered; thick, fissured, fire-resistant bark; small or leathery leaves, often shed in the dry season; long, deep tap roots; twisted or umbrella-shaped crowns; some store water in their trunks (e.g. baobab); some have thorns.
Give clear one-line definitions, then four distinct features for each vegetation type.