Energy Flow Through the Ecosystem

A mushroom grows by feeding on dead organic matter, such as on a dead log. The mushroom is an example of a(n)

• predator
• producer
• decomposer
• autotroph

A(n)________collects energy from sunlight or inorganic substances to produce food.

• autotroph
• heterotroph

What does the image below represent?

• food chain
• ecological pyramid
• food web

In the image below, which are primary consumers?

• squirrels and rabbits only
• seed-eating birds only
• mice, squirrels and rabbits
• squirrels, rabbits, mice and seed-eating birds

What happens as you go up levels in a food pyramid?

• energy and biomass increase
• energy and biomass decrease
• energy and biomass are unaffected
• not enough information to tell

The decomposers break down dead organisms and other organic wastes and release _____ nutrients back to the environment.

• inorganic
• organic
• synthetic
• none of the above

What percent of energy passes between trophic levels?

• 10%
• 25%
• 50%
• 90&

Which of the following use energy from the sun to make food?

• producers
• herbivores
• decomposers
• consumers

Which of the following are consumers? (check all that apply)

• Decomposers
• Herbivores
• Omnivores
• Carnivores
• Autotrophs

The organisms in an ecosystem that break down organic material and recycle nutrients are called:

• producers
• consumers
• decomposers