Question

Which of the following consumers is incorrectly paired to their source of food? a. omnivores - plants and animals b. decomposers - bacteria and fungi c. herbivores - plants d. carnivores - animals

Short answer

None of the options are incorrectly paired; they all match their definitions.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Definitions

First, it’s important to know the definitions of each type of consumer: omnivores, decomposers, herbivores, and carnivores. Omnivores eat both plants and animals. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic material. Herbivores only consume plants. Carnivores only eat animals.

Analyze Each Option

Go through each option and compare it to the definitions. Option a: Omnivores - plants and animals. This is correct since omnivores eat both plants and animals. Option b: Decomposers - bacteria and fungi. This is correct because decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, break down organic matter. Option c: Herbivores - plants. This is correct because herbivores only eat plants. Option d: Carnivores - animals. This is incorrect because carnivores feed exclusively on animals.

Identify the Incorrect Pair

From the analysis in Step 2, identify the option that does not match the definition. The incorrect pair is option d: Carnivores - animals, because the question seems to imply it is incorrect, but it matches the definition of a carnivore. Therefore, none of the options are actually incorrectly paired. There might be a typo in the question.

Key concepts

omnivores

Omnivores are fascinating creatures because they have a diverse diet. They eat both plants and animals. This adaptability helps them survive in various environments. You might encounter omnivores in many ecosystems, examples include:

• Humans
• Bears
• Raccoons

Omnivores have evolved specialized teeth to handle different types of food. They have sharp teeth for tearing meat and flat molars for grinding plants. This makes their digestive enzymes versatile, able to break down both plant cellulose and animal protein.

decomposers

Decomposers play a crucial role in nature by breaking down dead organic material. They recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem, making them available for plants. Common decomposers include:

• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Worms

Decomposers convert dead matter into simpler substances. For example, fungi decompose dead wood into soil nutrients. Without decomposers, ecosystems would be overloaded with dead plants and animals, disrupting the balance of life.

herbivores

Herbivores are animals that eat only plants. They are primary consumers in the food web, feeding on producers like plants and algae. Examples of herbivores include:

• Cows
• Deer
• Elephants

Herbivores have special adaptations to help them digest tough plant materials. For example, cows have multiple stomach chambers to break down cellulose. Herbivores help control plant growth and maintain ecosystem health.

carnivores

Carnivores are animals that eat only meat. They are secondary or tertiary consumers, depending on their position in the food chain. Examples of carnivores include:

• Lions
• Eagles
• Sharks

Carnivores have adaptations for hunting and eating meat, such as sharp claws and teeth. They play a crucial role in controlling the population of other animals. By preying on herbivores and other carnivores, they help maintain a balanced ecosystem.