Flow of Energy

Front

What is biomass and which organisms typically have the largest biomass?

Back

Biomass refers to the total mass of living matter in a given area or volume. Organisms such as flowers, trees, and fruit typically have the largest biomass.

Front

Which type of organisms are known to have the most energy in an ecosystem?

Back

Plants are known to have the most energy in an ecosystem as they are primary producers that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What is a consumer in ecological terms?

Back

A consumer is an organism that obtains energy by eating other organisms.

Front

What happens to energy as it moves up the food pyramid?

Back

Energy is lost to the environment at each level of the food pyramid, resulting in less mass being supported at each higher level.

Front

What type of symbiotic relationship is exemplified by hookworms feeding on their host's blood?

Back

The relationship is called parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

Front

Define primary producers and give an example.

Back

Primary producers are organisms that produce energy available for other organisms in the ecosystem, primarily through photosynthesis. An example is plants.

Front

What is the role of consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers play the role of transferring energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels by feeding on them.

Front

Explain the concept of energy transfer in a food chain.

Back

Energy transfer in a food chain occurs when one organism eats another, with energy being passed from the producer to the consumer, but with energy loss at each trophic level.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

Describe the difference between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

Back

Herbivores eat only plants, carnivores eat only other animals, and omnivores eat both plants and animals.