Trophic Levels

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, representing just one path of energy.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains, showing all possible energy paths in an ecosystem.

Front

What are trophic levels?

Back

Trophic levels are the different levels in a food chain or food web, representing the flow of energy from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

What is the first trophic level?

Back

The first trophic level consists of producers, which are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis, like plants.

Front

What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are typically herbivores, such as insects or small animals.

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What is a secondary consumer?

Back

A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

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What is a tertiary consumer?

Back

A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are often top predators in an ecosystem.

Front

How is energy lost in a food chain?

Back

Energy is lost at each trophic level due to metabolic processes, heat loss, and waste, meaning less energy is available for the next level.

Front

Why are producers important in a food chain?

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Producers are important because they convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and completing the nutrient cycle.