Energy Pyramids

Front

What is an Energy Pyramid?

Back

A diagram that shows the amount of energy that moves from one feeding level to another in a food web.

Front

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

Back

An organism that can make its own food, usually through photosynthesis, such as plants.

Front

What is a herbivore?

Back

An animal that primarily eats plants.

Front

What is a carnivore?

Back

An animal that primarily eats other animals.

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

An organism that breaks down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the environment.

Front

How much energy is typically passed from producers to herbivores?

Back

About 10%.

Front

How much energy is typically passed from herbivores to carnivores?

Back

About 10%.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

They recycle nutrients back into the soil, making them available for producers.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for an ecosystem?

Back

The sun.

Front

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

Back

Energy decreases at each trophic level due to energy loss through metabolic processes.