Energy in Ecosystems

Front

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

Back

A producer is an organism that can make its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, typically through the process of photosynthesis.

Front

What role do consumers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers are organisms that cannot make their own food and must eat other organisms (plants or animals) to obtain energy.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

Back

The primary source of energy for most ecosystems is the Sun.

Front

How do plants convert sunlight into energy?

Back

Plants convert sunlight into energy through a process called photosynthesis, where they use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow.

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, with producers at the base and top predators at the apex.

Front

Why are there fewer organisms at the top of the energy pyramid?

Back

There are fewer organisms at the top of the energy pyramid because energy decreases as it moves up the pyramid, leading to less available energy for higher trophic levels.

Front

What is the difference between primary consumers and secondary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers, while secondary consumers are carnivores that eat primary consumers.

Front

How do decomposers contribute to an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is the process of energy transfer in a food chain?

Back

Energy transfer in a food chain occurs when one organism eats another, passing on the energy stored in its body.