EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Phytoplanktons, some algae, floating plants, submerged plants, plants found at the edges of the pond are the autotrophic components i.e the producers. Zooplanktons, free swimming and the bottom dwelling animals represent consumers. Fungi and bacteria, which are abundant at the bottom of the pond, are the decomposers .

Detailed explanation-2: -Autotrophic food chain-It is the solar energy dependent food chain which begins with the plants, basically phytoplankton, at the pond surface and then sequentially pass through primary consumers (zooplankton and planktivours fishes) to secondary and tertiary consumers (carnivorous insects and fishes).

Detailed explanation-3: -Phytoplankton, literally “wandering plants, ” are microscopic algae that float in the open water and give it a green appearance. They carry out photosynthesis using carbon dioxide that is dissolved in the water and release oxygen that is used by the bacteria and animals in the pond.

Detailed explanation-4: -Thus, the correct answer is ‘Autotrophs.

Detailed explanation-5: -Explanation: Phytoplankton are the primary producers in the marine food chain and hence they are called the ‘grass of the sea’. Phytoplankton obtain their energy through photosynthesis, as do trees and other plants on land.