Which of the following organisms in the soil food chain does not obtain energy directly from plants

The organisms in the soil food chain can be categorized into different trophic levels based on their energy sources. In a typical soil food chain, plants are considered primary producers as they harness energy from the sun through photosynthesis. Organisms that directly consume plants are primary consumers (herbivores), and those that eat herbivores are secondary consumers (carnivores). Here are the trophic levels:

1.Primary Producers: Plants (obtain energy from the sun through photosynthesis).

2.Primary Consumers: Herbivores (obtain energy by eating plants).

3.Secondary Consumers: Carnivores (obtain energy by eating herbivores).

4.Tertiary Consumers: Higher-level carnivores (obtain energy by eating other carnivores).

5.Decomposers: Organisms that break down dead organic matter (detritus) and waste, releasing nutrients back into the soil.

If we focus on the given options and consider organisms in the soil food chain:

1.Earthworms (Option A) are often detritivores, contributing to the decomposition of organic matter in the soil.

2.Nematodes (Option B) can include both plant-feeding and predatory species, so some may obtain energy directly from plants, while others might be carnivores or decomposers.

3.Bacteria (Option C) are typically decomposers, breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds.

Therefore, among the options provided, bacteria (Option C) is more likely to be a decomposer that obtains energy from breaking down organic matter rather than directly from plants.