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 consumers.

Front

What happens to the number of organisms as you move higher in the energy pyramid?

Back

Fewer organisms are found at higher levels of the energy pyramid.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers (plants) to obtain energy.

Front

What might happen if a primary consumer is removed from an ecosystem?

Back

The number of plants may increase due to reduced herbivory.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers for energy.

Front

How does an increase in primary consumers affect the ecosystem?

Back

An increase in primary consumers can lead to a decrease in plant populations due to increased herbivory.

Front

What role do producers play in an energy pyramid?

Back

Producers, such as plants, form the base of the energy pyramid and convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the relationship between primary consumers and secondary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers provide energy for secondary consumers, creating a food chain.

Front

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

Back

Energy decreases as it moves up the energy pyramid, with only about 10% of energy being transferred to the next level.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, showing how energy flows between different organisms.