Question

Ticks feed only on blood of vertebrates (both males and females blood-feed) and are generalist in terms of their feeding preferences (would feed equally well on mouse, lizard, bird, fox, etc.). Based on this information ticks would be best considered

1. Basal species
2. Primary consumers
3. Top-predators
4. Decomposers

White-footed mouse would be best considered

1. Basal species
2. Intermediate species
3. Top-predator
4. Decomposer

Answer 1

Basal Species: Auxotrophs come under this category e.g. plants.

Primary consumers: Those feed on the plant. They are also called as herbivorous.

Intermediate species: Intermediate level carnivores and herbivores e.g. grasshopper and scorpion

Top predator: They do not have any natural predator. They enjoy the top position in the food chain. e.g. Lion

Decomposers: Who survives on dead animals. e.g. microorganism

Q1. Answers

C. Top Predator

Explanation: Ticks are not produce food by there own therefore they are not auxotrophs and not basal species. They don't feed on plant so there can't be primary consumer. Ticks don't feed on dead animal therefore they can't be decomposers. They feed on the blood of primary consumers. Therefore they comes under category of top predator.

Q2 Answers

b. Intermediate species.

Explanation: White footed mouse feed on the plant and small mammals, birds. Therefore, it comes under intermediate species.