Energy Pyramids

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, illustrating how energy decreases as it moves from producers to top predators.

Front

What percentage of energy from producers is typically passed to herbivores?

Back

10% of the energy from producers is passed to herbivores.

Front

What percentage of energy is lost as heat or used by organisms for survival at each trophic level?

Back

90% of energy is lost as heat or used by organisms for survival.

Front

Which trophic level has the least amount of energy available?

Back

The top predator has the least amount of energy available.

Front

In an energy pyramid, which level typically contains members of the plant kingdom?

Back

The producer level (often represented at the base of the pyramid) contains members of the plant kingdom.

Front

What is the primary source of energy in an energy pyramid?

Back

The primary source of energy in an energy pyramid is sunlight, which is captured by producers through photosynthesis.

Front

How does energy transfer between trophic levels?

Back

Energy transfers from one trophic level to the next through consumption, but only a small percentage (about 10%) is passed on, while most is lost.

Front

What role do herbivores play in an energy pyramid?

Back

Herbivores are primary consumers that obtain energy by eating producers (plants) and are the second level in the energy pyramid.

Front

What is the significance of the 10% rule in energy transfer?

Back

The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is available to the next level, highlighting energy loss at each step.

Front

What are carnivores in the context of an energy pyramid?

Back

Carnivores are secondary or tertiary consumers that obtain energy by eating herbivores or other carnivores, typically found above herbivores in the energy pyramid.