Interactions, Matter, and Energy in Ecosystems

Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

Multiple Select

Which of the following organisms are producers? (There may be more than one.)

• grasses

• earthworm

• algae

• heron

• water lily

Multiple Select

Which of the following organisms are consumers? There may be more than one.

• grasses

• turtle

• earthworm

• water lily

• algae

Multiple Select

Which of the following organisms are decomposers? There may be more than one.

• grasses

• turtle

• earthworm

• water lily

• algae

Food Chains

• Definition: The pathway that energy and nutrients can follow through an ecosystem.

• Producers make up the (biggest) first level.

• Herbivores (primary consumers) make up the next level.

• Ominivores and Carnivores (secondary consumers) follow.

• Tertiary Consumers top the pyramid.

• Decomposers?????

Multiple Choice

Which is the primary consumer in this group of organisms?

• The flower

• The snake

• The insect

Food Webs

• Definition: An interconnected food chain model that shows how energy flows through an ecosystem.

• Arrows show the direction of energy flow FROM one organism TO another.

• Obviously, all energy paths BEGIN at the CONSUMER level.

Open Ended

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Energy Pyramids

When an organism obtains energy, most of it is used to conduct life processes. A little of it is given off as heat, and a small amount is stored inside the body of the organism. This is how carnivores get energy.

There is less energy available at each level as you go up.

Multiple Choice

In what level of an energy pyramid is there the GREATEST amount of energy?

• Tertiary Level

• Secondary Consumer Level

• Primary Consumer Level

• Producer Level