In the aquatic ecosystem of a pond, which of the following components is represented by fungi, bacteria and flagellates?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — B or C (both accepted). Fungi and bacteria are the classic decomposers (saprotrophs) of a pond: they break down dead organic matter and release nutrients back into the water. Flagellates, though, are typically heterotrophic protozoans that ingest bacteria and organic particles rather than decomposing dead matter enzymatically — which places them functionally among the consumers (micro-grazers) of the pond's food web. Because the named trio spans both roles (bacteria/fungi as decomposers, flagellates as consumers), the commission granted grace and accepted both (b) Consumers and (c) Decomposers.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) Autotrophs (producers) are photosynthetic organisms such as phytoplankton, algae and aquatic plants that fix their own energy from sunlight — fungi, bacteria and flagellates as a group are not photosynthetic producers.  (d) Abiotic components are non-living factors — water, dissolved nutrients, temperature, light. Fungi, bacteria and flagellates are all living organisms, so this option is wrong.

Concept: A pond's living (biotic) community is conventionally split into three functional groups: autotrophic producers (phytoplankton, algae, submerged/floating plants) that fix energy; consumers (zooplankton, insects, fish, and heterotrophic protozoans) that feed on other organisms; and decomposers (chiefly saprotrophic bacteria and fungi) that break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients.

State PCS 2024 Q10 — Environment & Ecology PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2024 Q10 — Environment & Ecology PYQ with Answer