(a) With reference to the food chain, explain the role of the followings; (i) green plants; (ii) herbivores; (iii) carnivores; (iv) decomposers
(b) With the aid of diagram, describe the carbon cycle.
Explanation
(a)(i) Role of green plants are:
(1) They are called producers and are usually most abundant
(2) They mark the beginning of food chain
(3) Green plants can produce carbohydrates during photosynthesis
(4) They use carbon dioxide and water
(5) They harness, utilize or store light energy in the presence of light.
(ii) Role of herbivores:
(1) Herbivores are the primary consumers.
(2) They normally feed or depend directly on plant materials for food.
(3) They build up energy or food for herbivores.
(iii) Role of carnivores:
(1) They are the secondary consumers and are fewer in number
(2) They feed on herbivores or other animals for energy
(3) They are referred to as flesh eating animals
(iv) Role of Decomposers:
(1) They are also called tertiary consumers. They depend or feed on dead organic materials or saprophytes for energy.
(2) They help in the recycling of nutrients.
(b) Description of carbon cycle:
(1) Plants and animal respiration release carbon (iv) oxide to the atmosphere
(2)Plants are eaten by herbivores
(3) Herbivores are eaten by carnivores
(4) Dead organisms decay to release carbon (iv) oxide into the atmosphere
(5) Bacteria respire on some materials they absorb and release carbon (iv) oxide to the atmosphere
(6) Burning of plant or fossils or fuel release carbon (iv) oxide to the air
(7) Carbon (iv) oxide is found in ocean or large body of water, due to respiration which is released when required to maintain the balance.
(8) Green plants absorb atmospheric carbon (iv) oxide to produce food eaten by animals.
(9) Carbon (iv) oxide from the atmosphere dissolves in the ocean or large body of water.
Carbon cycle
