Energy Pyramids

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the amount of energy available at each trophic level in an ecosystem.

Front

Why is a pyramid shape used to represent energy in ecosystems?

Back

A pyramid shape is used because energy decreases as you go up the food chain, similar to how the pyramid shape gets smaller as you go up.

Front

What form of energy is found in the food that organisms consume?

Back

Chemical energy.

Front

What is the ultimate original source of energy for living things?

Back

The Sun.

Front

What does an energy pyramid represent?

Back

The amount of energy available to the next 'feeder' in a food web.

Front

What are producers in an energy pyramid?

Back

Producers are organisms that create their own food, typically through photosynthesis, and are at the base of the energy pyramid.

Front

What are consumers in an energy pyramid?

Back

Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms for energy and are located above the producer level in the energy pyramid.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an energy pyramid?

Back

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

Front

How does energy transfer between trophic levels?

Back

Energy transfer between trophic levels is inefficient; typically, only about 10% of the energy is passed on to the next level.

Front

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

Back

As energy moves up the energy pyramid, it decreases due to energy loss through metabolic processes and heat.