Trophic Levels and Energy Pyramids

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web that indicates the organism's role in the transfer of energy and nutrients, typically categorized as producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and so on.

Front

What percentage of energy is typically lost at each trophic level?

Back

Typically, about 90% of energy is lost at each trophic level due to metabolic processes and heat.

Front

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, illustrating how energy decreases as it moves up the pyramid.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers (plants) and are typically herbivores.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

Front

What is biomass?

Back

Biomass refers to the total mass of living matter within a trophic level, often measured in grams per square meter.

Front

What is a carnivore?

Back

A carnivore is an organism that primarily eats other animals.

Front

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.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

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.