Energy Pyramid Flashcard

Front

Who are the primary consumers in an energy pyramid?

Back

Herbivores are the primary consumers in an energy pyramid, as they feed on producers (plants).

Front

Which group of organisms is found at the base of an energy pyramid?

Back

Producers, such as plants, are found at the base of an energy pyramid, as they create energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that primarily consume other animals, playing a crucial role in the food chain.

Front

What is 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 in an energy pyramid.

Front

If a plant contains 500 calories of energy, how much energy is available to the primary consumer that eats it?

Back

50 calories are available to the primary consumer, according to the 10% rule.

Front

What role do decomposers play in the energy pyramid?

Back

Decomposers break down organic matter and release nutrients back into the ecosystem, recycling energy.

Front

Define producers in the context of an energy pyramid.

Back

Producers are organisms that synthesize their own food from sunlight, forming the base of the energy pyramid.

Front

What are the different levels of consumers in an energy pyramid?

Back

The levels include primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and tertiary consumers (top predators).

Front

Explain the significance of herbivores in an energy pyramid.

Back

Herbivores are significant as they transfer energy from producers to 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 due to energy loss at each trophic level, primarily as heat.