Which of the following options represents the correct match between the trophic levels in Column A and the illustrations in Column B?

Column – A (Type of Trophic Level)		Column - B (Illustration)
i.	first trophic level	a.	human
ii.	second trophic level	b.	phytoplankton
iii.	third trophic level	c.	zooplankton
iv.	fourth trophic level	d.	fishes

The correct answer is i - b, ii - c, iii - d, iv - a.

Key Points

The trophic levels represent the hierarchical levels in an ecological food chain, indicating the position of organisms based on their feeding relationships. Here's the explanation for the correct match:

• First trophic level - phytoplankton:
  • The first trophic level typically consists of primary producers that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
  • Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that form the base of aquatic food chains.
• Second trophic level - zooplankton:
  • The second trophic level comprises primary consumers that feed on the primary producers.
  • Zooplankton, which includes tiny animals, consume phytoplankton, placing them at the second trophic level.
• Third trophic level - fishes:
  • The third trophic level involves secondary consumers that feed on primary consumers.
  • In aquatic ecosystems, fishes are often positioned at the third trophic level as they consume zooplankton or other smaller organisms.
• Fourth trophic level - human:
  • The fourth trophic level represents tertiary consumers, which are higher-order predators.
  • Humans, being omnivores or carnivores, are often placed at the fourth trophic level in food chains when they consume animals from lower trophic levels.​