Food chains, Food Webs, and Energy Pyramids

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, 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 top.

Front

What role do producers play in a food chain?

Back

Producers, such as plants, create their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.

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What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are typically herbivores.

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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 are decomposers?

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Decomposers are organisms, like fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

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What happens to the number of plants if primary consumers are removed?

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If primary consumers are removed, the number of plants would likely increase due to reduced herbivory.

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How many levels are typically in an energy pyramid?

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An energy pyramid typically has three to five levels, including producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and sometimes tertiary consumers.

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

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Energy transfer in a food chain is significant because it shows how energy diminishes at each trophic level, with only about 10% of energy being passed on to the next level.