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Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Q1. [1]
Other than the abiotic components, which of the given biotic components are not required to make an aquarium with small herbivorous fishes a self-sustaining system ? (i) Aquatic plants and aquatic animals (ii) Terrestrial plants and terrestrial animals (iii) Decomposers as bacteria and fungi (iv) Consumers as clown fishes and sea urchins
  1. (A) (i) and (iv)
  2. (B) (ii) and (iii)
  3. (C) (i) and (iii)
  4. (D) (ii) and (iv)
Previously asked in CBSE board exam
2025 31/3/1 Q16
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Model Answer

(D) (ii) and (iv)

Terrestrial plants/animals and consumers like clown fishes/sea urchins are not required. Aquatic plants (producers), herbivorous fishes (consumers), and decomposers (bacteria/fungi) make the aquarium self-sustaining.

Source: Chapter 13, Activity 13.1

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Explanation

The textbook states that adding aquatic plants and animals makes an aquarium a self-sustaining system. Decomposers (bacteria/fungi) break down dead matter — they are needed. Terrestrial organisms have no role in an aquatic system. Clown fishes and sea urchins are marine/carnivorous consumers not needed when herbivorous fish are already present as consumers. So (ii) terrestrial organisms and (iv) those specific consumers are not required → Option (D).

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