Energy Flow in Ecosystem Components—NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptIn earlier classes, you have looked at the various components of the environment- abiotic and biotic. You studied how the individual biotic and abiotic factors affected each other and their surrounding. Let us look at these components in a more integrated manner and see how the flow of energy takes place within these components of the ecosystem.
Which of the following statements are correct regarding the biotic components and their roles in a pond ecosystem? S1. Phytoplankton and algae are the primary autotrophic components responsible for converting radiant energy into organic material. S2. Zooplankton represents the primary consumers, feeding directly on the autotrophic components in the pond. S3. Fungi and bacteria are the primary decomposers, predominantly found at the bottom of the pond, facilitating mineralisation. S4. Dissolved inorganic substances, solar input, and temperature cycles are crucial biotic factors regulating the pond ecosystem. S5. Flagellates are exclusively photosynthetic organisms found in the upper layers of the pond.
View solution & NCERT explanation
Correct answer: C — S1, S2 and S3 are correct
The question tests the understanding of biotic components and their roles within a pond ecosystem, as described in NCERT. S1. Correct: The NCERT states, "The autotrophic components include the phytoplankton, some algae...conversion of inorganic into organic material with the help of the radiant energy of the sun by the autotrophs." This confirms phytoplankton and algae as primary autotrophs. S2. Correct: According to NCERT, "The consumers are represented by the zooplankton...consumption of the autotrophs by heterotrophs." Zooplankton feed on autotrophs, making them primary consumers. S3. Correct: The NCERT mentions, "The decomposers are the fungi, bacteria and flagellates especially abundant in the bottom of the pond...decomposition and mineralisation of the dead matter." This statement accurately describes their role and location. S4. Incorrect: Dissolved inorganic substances, solar input, and temperature cycles are abiotic components and climatic conditions, not biotic factors, as stated in NCERT: "The abiotic component is the water with all the dissolved inorganic and organic substances...The solar input, the cycle of temperature...regulate the rate of function of the entire pond." S5. Incorrect: Flagellates are mentioned as decomposers (heterotrophic organisms) in the pond ecosystem. They are not exclusively photosynthetic organisms. Therefore, statements S1, S2, and S3 are correct. The correct option is C.
What does NCERT say about earlier classes you have?
Has this concept appeared in NEET?
Which chapter is this from?
Through deep analysis of NEET and NTA, 176 of the 180 ReNEET 2026 (June 21) questions were already in the MedicNEET question bank before the exam.
176/180MedicNEET's Biology question bank is built from the same NCERT lines NTA picks repeatedly. Not random MCQs — questions crafted exactly like NTA crafts them.