food Webs, food chains

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.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

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

Front

Define herbivore.

Back

An herbivore is an organism that primarily eats plants.

Front

Define carnivore.

Back

A carnivore is an organism that primarily eats other animals.

Front

Define omnivore.

Back

An omnivore is an organism that eats both plants and animals.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to recycle energy within the ecosystem.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

Back

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

Front

What does the arrow in a food chain represent?

Back

The arrow in a food chain represents the direction of energy flow from one organism to another.

Front

What is an energy pyramid?

Back

An energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the distribution of energy among trophic levels in an ecosystem.

Front

What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next?

Back

Typically, only about 10% of energy is passed from one trophic level to the next.