Key differences, features, and comparative analysis of Pair and The key line.
| Pair | The key line |
|---|---|
| (a) GFC vs DFC | GFC starts with living producers and dominates AQUATIC ecosystems; DFC starts with dead organic matter and dominates TERRESTRIAL ecosystems. |
| (b) Production vs Decomposition | Production BUILDS complex organic matter from inorganic (photosynthesis, needs sunlight); Decomposition BREAKS DOWN complex organic matter into inorganic (needs oxygen, done by decomposers). |
| (c) Upright vs Inverted pyramid | Upright: base (producers) is the largest, narrowing to the apex. Inverted: base is smaller than the levels above (tree → numbers; sea → biomass). |
| (d) Food chain vs Food web | Food chain = a single linear sequence; food web = many interconnected food chains. Only the web actually exists in nature. |
| (e) Litter vs Detritus | Litter = the surface layer of dead PLANT material (fallen leaves, twigs, bark) lying on the soil. Detritus is broader — all dead organic matter: dead plant remains AND dead animal remains AND faecal matter. Litter is one part of detritus. |
| (f) Primary vs Secondary productivity | Primary = rate of biomass production by PRODUCERS (photosynthesis). Secondary = rate of formation of new organic matter by CONSUMERS. |
This comparison table is part of the chapter notes for Ecosystem. Get complete notes, flashcards, active recall sheets, and test prep modes: