Question

virtual lab: environmental changes in a watershed
create a food chain. choose the biotic factors from the list and move them onto the hotspots marked with circles.
biotic factors
decaying leaves
worms
herons
trout
frogs

Explanation:

To create a food chain, we start with producers or decomposers (decaying leaves here as organic matter for decomposers or base of the chain), then primary consumers (worms, frogs can be primary but worms feed on decaying matter), then secondary consumers (trout, frogs), then tertiary (herons). The correct order based on energy flow: Decaying leaves (base, decomposer - based or detritus), Worms (feed on decaying leaves), Frogs (feed on worms), Trout (feed on frogs or small organisms), Herons (feed on trout). Wait, more accurately, detritus (decaying leaves) → Worms (detritivore) → Frogs (insectivore, but if worms are prey) → Trout (carnivore, eats frogs) → Herons (carnivore, eats trout). So the order is Decaying leaves, Worms, Frogs, Trout, Herons.

Answer:

The correct food chain order (from left - most to right - most hotspot) is: Decaying leaves, Worms, Frogs, Trout, Herons.