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 distinguishes an energy pyramid from a food web or chain?

Back

An energy pyramid shows the amount of energy available at each trophic level, while food webs and chains illustrate specific predator/prey relationships.

Front

Why are producers located at the base of the energy pyramid?

Back

Producers are at the base because they create energy through photosynthesis and have the most energy available in the ecosystem.

Front

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

Back

Typically, 90% of energy is lost as heat or used by organisms at each trophic level.

Front

If there are 1000 Kcal in producers, how much energy is available in herbivores at the next trophic level?

Back

100 Kcal of energy is available in herbivores at the second trophic level.

Front

What role do herbivores play in the energy pyramid?

Back

Herbivores are primary consumers that obtain energy by eating producers, and they represent the second trophic level in the energy pyramid.

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, representing higher trophic levels.

Front

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

Back

As energy moves up the energy pyramid, it decreases significantly due to energy loss at each trophic level.

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 transferred to the next level, while the rest is lost.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or energy pyramid that indicates the organism's role in the flow of energy, such as producers, primary consumers, or secondary consumers.