Trophic Levels

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What is a trophic level?

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A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web that indicates the flow of energy and nutrients through an ecosystem.

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What is the first trophic level?

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The first trophic level is occupied by producers, which are organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

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What is a producer?

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A producer is an organism that can create its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, typically through photosynthesis.

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What is a primary consumer?

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A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are usually herbivores or omnivores.

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What is a secondary consumer?

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

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What is a tertiary consumer?

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A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are typically carnivores.

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What is the 10% rule in ecology?

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The 10% rule states that only about 10% of the energy from one trophic level is passed on to the next level.

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What are biotic factors?

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Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.

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What are abiotic factors?

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Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, temperature, and water.

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What is an omnivore?

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An omnivore is an organism that eats both plants and animals.