Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Front

What is energy flow in ecosystems?

Back

Energy flow in ecosystems refers to the transfer of energy from one organism to another through food chains and food webs, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

Define producers in an ecosystem.

Back

Producers are organisms, such as plants and algae, that can make their own food through photosynthesis, serving as the primary source of energy in an ecosystem.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers (plants) to obtain energy.

Front

What is a secondary consumer?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers to obtain energy, often carnivores or omnivores.

Front

Explain the concept of a food web.

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, illustrating how energy and nutrients flow between various organisms.

Front

What happens to the rabbit population when the wolf population increases?

Back

When the wolf population increases, the rabbit population typically decreases due to increased predation.

Front

How does the removal of a top predator affect an ecosystem?

Back

The removal of a top predator can lead to an increase in the population of primary consumers, which may result in overgrazing and depletion of plant life.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers.

Front

Define trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Back

Trophic levels are the hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, categorized as producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers.

Front

What is the significance of the energy pyramid?

Back

The energy pyramid illustrates the energy loss at each trophic level, showing that energy decreases as it moves up from producers to top consumers.