Energy Pyramids, Webs, and Chains

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy through different trophic levels in an ecosystem, with producers at the base and top predators at the apex.

Front

What are producers in an energy pyramid?

Back

Producers are organisms, like plants, that create their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the energy pyramid.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are typically herbivores.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

Front

What is a tertiary consumer?

Back

A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are often top predators in the food chain.

Front

What happens to energy as you move up the energy pyramid?

Back

As you move up the energy pyramid, the amount of available energy decreases.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and completing the energy cycle.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

Competition occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resources, such as food, water, or habitat.