Food Chains, Webs and Energy Pyramids

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What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

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What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, illustrating how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

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What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the flow of energy at different trophic levels in an ecosystem, with producers at the base and top predators at the apex.

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Define producer in an ecosystem.

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Producers are organisms, typically plants or algae, that can make their own food through photosynthesis, serving as the primary source of energy in a food chain.

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What is a primary consumer?

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A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are typically herbivores that obtain energy by consuming plants.

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What is a secondary consumer?

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A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

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What is a tertiary consumer?

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A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are often top predators in a food chain.

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What happens to energy as it moves up the food chain?

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As energy moves up the food chain, it decreases at each trophic level due to energy loss through metabolic processes, heat, and waste.

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil and making them available for producers.

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How does removing a species affect the food chain?

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Removing a species can disrupt the food chain, leading to population declines or increases in other species, and can cause imbalances in the ecosystem.