Question

Which of the following is the basic unit of ecological hierarchy
A. Gene
B. Species
C. Individual
D. Animals

Answer 1

Hint: Ecology hierarchy is the process that describes the relationship between the organisms. The simple level of hierarchy includes individual organisms.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Let’s discuss the above option and find the correct answer.
- Genes are the basic sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes the synthesis of genetic products which may be RNA or protein. Genes can obtain the mutation in their sequence due to which arises a different variant called alleles.
- Species are the basic group of the classification in the taxonomic group of the organism and also biodiversity. It is a huge group of organisms in which the two individuals produce the same offspring mostly by sexual means of reproduction. Except for viruses, all are species around us.
- Individuals are the main component of the ecological hierarchy. Individuals are the group of organisms that belongs to the particular geographical area or locality or at a given time. The individual may be of the same species but of different genetic appearance. In an ecological hierarchy, the individual shows the relationship among the different individuals.
- Animals are not the only individuals included in the ecological hierarchy. As both the animals and plants are dependent on each other for food and other organic manure for their survival. Some herbivores used plants as their food and the waste products from the animals are used as the source of minerals for the plants.

Hence, the correct option is C.

Note: Ecological hierarchy consists of these five levels: 1. Organisms/individuals.
2. Population. 3. Community. 4. Ecosystem. 5. Biosphere.