Understanding Trophic Levels and Ecosystems

An organism that gets energy from breaking down dead organisms, non-living material or waste is a(an) ___________.

• producer

• consumer

• decomposer

• autotroph

In the food web above, what organism is a tertiary consumer?

• Fox

• Frog

• Vole

• Grass

What is a trophic level in an ecosystem?

• A group of organisms that share the same habitat

• A step in the food chain or food web of an ecosystem

• A type of ecosystem service

• A measure of biodiversity

Which of the following best describes the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

• Energy flows in a circular pattern

• Energy flows in a linear, one-way direction

• Energy is recycled back to the sun

• Energy is stored indefinitely in organisms

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

• They decompose organic matter

• They convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis

• They consume other organisms for energy

• They are the top predators in the food chain

Which of the following is a primary consumer in a food chain?

• Grass

• Rabbit

• Hawk

• Mushroom

What is the primary role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• To produce energy from sunlight

• To consume primary consumers

• To break down dead organic material and recycle nutrients

• To compete with producers for resources

How does a food chain differ from a food web?

• A food chain is a complex network of feeding relationships, while a food web is a linear sequence

• A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms, while a food web is a complex network of feeding relationships

• A food chain includes decomposers, while a food web does not

• A food chain is found only in aquatic ecosystems, while a food web is found only in terrestrial ecosystems

Which of the following organisms is typically found at the top of a food chain?

• Grass

• Deer

• Lion

• Earthworm

In a food web, what happens if a primary producer is removed?

• The entire ecosystem collapses immediately

• Primary consumers will increase in number

• Secondary consumers will have less food available

• Decomposers will become primary producers