Africa Storyline Study Guide

Front

What are producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms that can photosynthesize, such as plants, euglena, and cyanobacteria, and they form the base of the food chain.

Front

What does the term 'primary consumer' refer to?

Back

A primary consumer is the first organism in a food chain that consumes producers for energy.

Front

How does the number of organisms at different trophic levels compare?

Back

Organisms at a lower trophic level have a larger number compared to those at a higher trophic level to support them.

Front

What percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next in an energy pyramid?

Back

Only 10% of energy is transferred to each subsequent level in the energy pyramid.

Front

Which organisms require nitrogen to survive?

Back

All living organisms require nitrogen to survive.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers.

Front

Define the term 'trophic level'.

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web that indicates the organism's role in the flow of energy and nutrients.

Front

What is the significance of the 10% rule in ecology?

Back

The 10% rule indicates that only 10% of the energy from one trophic level is available to the next level, affecting population sizes and ecosystem dynamics.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which energy and nutrients flow, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.

Front

What are herbivores and how do they fit into the food chain?

Back

Herbivores are primary consumers that eat plants (producers) and are the second level in the food chain.