A detritus food chain in comparison to grazing food chain is

Options

A. Equal
B. Broader
C. Longer
D. Shorter

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Types of Food Chains**:
- A detritus food chain involves the breakdown of dead organic matter (detritus) and primarily consists of decomposers such as bacteria and fungi, along with detritivores like earthworms.
- A grazing food chain starts with primary producers (like plants) that convert solar energy into biomass, which is then consumed by herbivores and subsequently by carnivores.

2. **Energy Flow in Food Chains**:
- In a grazing food chain, energy flows from producers to herbivores and then to carnivores, contributing to a larger ecosystem.
- In contrast, a detritus food chain utilizes the energy released by the grazing food chain. It recycles nutrients back into the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter.

3. **Length of Food Chains**:
- Grazing food chains tend to be longer because they can support multiple trophic levels (producers, herbivores, and various levels of carnivores).
- Detritus food chains are generally shorter, as they primarily involve a few levels of decomposers and detritivores.

4. **Comparison of Food Chains**:
- Since grazing food chains can lead to complex food webs with many interconnected organisms, they are broader and longer.
- Detritus food chains, being limited to the decomposition process, have fewer levels and are therefore shorter.

5. **Conclusion**:
- In comparison to a grazing food chain, a detritus food chain is shorter.

### Final Answer:
The correct answer is that a detritus food chain is **shorter** compared to a grazing food chain.

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