Question

UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

Which one of the following is the correct sequence of a food chain?

  1. 1. Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings
  2. 2. Crustaceans-Diatoms-Herrings
  3. 3. Diatoms-Herrings-Crustaceans
  4. 4. Crustaceans-Herrings-Diatoms

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1: Diatoms-Crustaceans-Herrings

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

  • Organisms in food chains are grouped into categories called trophic levels. Roughly speaking, these levels are divided into producers (first trophic level), consumers (second, third, and fourth trophic levels), and decomposers.

  • Producers, also known as autotrophs, make their own food. They make up the first level of every food chain.

  • Diatoms are phytoplankton, they are the primary producers in the oceans while herrings are fish who eat crustaceans. Crustaceans live mostly in the ocean or other waters. Crustaceans have a hard, external shell that protects their body. The most commonly known crustaceans are the crab, lobster, and barnacle.

Therefore, option (1) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecosystem

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Last updated on August, 2026

→ UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th August 2026.

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ UPSC Mains Admit Card 2026 is now out.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.

→ Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-I 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-II 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-III 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-IV 2025, UPSC Mains English (Compulsory) Paper 2025, UPSC Mains Hindi (Qualifying) Paper 2025 here.

→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.

→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

Abhishek Singh
Abhishek Singh is an SEO Specialist and content strategist with over 4.5 years of experience in driving organic growth across education and service-based industries. He specializes in on-page SEO, technical SEO, content optimization, and data-driven strategies that improve search visibility and organic traffic. His work focuses on creating accurate, well-researched, and search-optimized content that helps students, professionals, and online audiences find reliable information. By combining SEO expertise with a strong understanding of search intent and evolving search technologies, he works to build content that delivers visibility, engagement, and long-term trust.
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,80,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹27000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹14000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now