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

What are producers in an energy pyramid?

Back

Producers are organisms, like plants, that create energy through photosynthesis and are found at the base of the energy pyramid.

Front

Why are producers at the base of the energy pyramid?

Back

Producers are at the base because they create all the energy for the ecosystem and have the most energy of all trophic levels.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or energy pyramid that indicates the flow of energy from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

What is the role of primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers and are the second level in the energy pyramid.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and an energy pyramid?

Back

A food chain shows the direct feeding relationships, while an energy pyramid shows the amount of energy at each trophic 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 at each trophic level, primarily through metabolic processes.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers and are typically carnivores or omnivores.

Front

What is the significance of the top trophic level in an energy pyramid?

Back

The top trophic level represents apex predators, which have the least amount of energy available compared to lower levels.

Front

How does energy flow in an ecosystem?

Back

Energy flows from producers to primary consumers, then to secondary consumers, and so on, decreasing at each level.