(a) Explain the following terms: (i) Producer (ii) Consumer (iii) Community (iv) Decomposer. (b) List four characteristics each of: (i) Trees of the Tropica...

(a) Explanation of terms

• (i) Producer: an autotrophic organism, usually a green plant, that manufactures its own food from simple inorganic substances by photosynthesis, forming the first trophic level of a food chain.
• (ii) Consumer: a heterotrophic organism that cannot make its own food and feeds on other organisms (plants or animals) for its energy and nutrients.
• (iii) Community: all the populations of different species (plants, animals and microbes) living and interacting together in a particular habitat at the same time.
• (iv) Decomposer: an organism, such as bacteria and fungi, that feeds on dead organic matter, breaking it down and releasing nutrients back into the environment.

(b)(i) Four characteristics of trees of the Tropical Rain Forest

• Very tall trees with straight trunks and buttress roots for support.
• Broad, evergreen leaves with drip tips.
• Form distinct layers (canopy, under-canopy) with a closed canopy.
• Have many climbers (lianes) and epiphytes growing on them.

(ii) Four characteristics of trees/shrubs of the Savanna

• Trees are short, scattered and widely spaced.
• Have small, narrow or reduced leaves to reduce water loss.
• Have thick, fire-resistant (corky) bark.
• Have deep or extensive root systems to reach water; many are deciduous, shedding leaves in the dry season.