The activities of man had adverse effects on all forms of living organisms in the biosphere. Unlimited exploitation of nature by man disturbed the delicate ecological balance between the living and non-living components of the biosphere. The unfavourable conditions created by man himself threatened the survival not only of him but also of the entire living organisms on the mother earth. One of your classmates is an active member of 'Eco club' of your school which is creating environmental awareness amongst the school students, spreading the same in the society and also working hard for preventing environmental degradation of the surroundings.
Which of the following does NOT exist in a balanced ecosystem?

Options

A. Interconnected food chains
B. Interdependence among living organisms and the environment
C. Animals dependent on plants but plants are not dependent on animals
D. Communities made up of different populations of organisms

Explanation

To determine which option does NOT exist in a balanced ecosystem, we need to analyze each option provided in the question.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding a Balanced Ecosystem**: A balanced ecosystem is characterized by the interdependence of various organisms and their environment. This includes a variety of species that interact with each other and their surroundings in a way that maintains ecological stability.

2. **Analyzing Option 1: Interconnected Food Chains (Food Web)**:
- In a balanced ecosystem, food chains are interconnected, forming a food web. This complexity helps maintain the balance as it allows for various pathways of energy flow and nutrient cycling. Therefore, this option exists in a balanced ecosystem.

3. **Analyzing Option 2: Interdependence Among Living Organisms and the Environment**:
- A balanced ecosystem relies heavily on the interdependence of living organisms (biotic components) and non-living components (abiotic factors). For instance, plants rely on soil and sunlight, while animals depend on plants for food. This interdependence is crucial for the survival of all species. Thus, this option also exists in a balanced ecosystem.

4. **Analyzing Option 3: Animals Dependent on Plants, but Plants are not Dependent on Animals**:
- This statement suggests a one-sided dependency where animals rely on plants for food, but plants do not rely on animals. In reality, plants depend on animals for processes like pollination and seed dispersal. Therefore, this option does NOT exist in a balanced ecosystem as it misrepresents the interdependence that is essential for ecological balance.

5. **Analyzing Option 4: Communities Made up of Different Populations of Organisms**:
- A balanced ecosystem is typically rich in biodiversity, consisting of various populations of organisms that interact with one another. This diversity is vital for resilience and stability in ecosystems. Hence, this option exists in a balanced ecosystem.

### Conclusion:
Based on the analysis, the option that does NOT exist in a balanced ecosystem is **Option 2: Animals Dependent on Plants, but Plants are not Dependent on Animals**.