Energy Flow, Food Web, Food Chain

Based on the model, how much energy would be expected to be found at the secondary consumer level in this pyramid?

• A. 100 joules

• B. 500 joules

• C. 1,000 joules

• D. 50 joules

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Why are decomposers not placed in a specific trophic level in the energy pyramid?

• They consume energy directly from the Sun.

• They recycle nutrients rather than directly transferring energy between trophic levels.

• They only interact with producers and not with consumers.

• They produce their own energy and do not rely on other organisms.

As energy flows through the trophic levels of an ecosystem, some of it is lost at each level. What accounts for this loss of energy? Select TWO that apply.

• Chemical energy is stored in the remains of dead organisms

• Heat energy is lost to the environment

• Energy is transferred from food molecules to energy-storing molecules.

• Energy gained is always less than the energy lost.

• Solar energy is absorbed at each trophic level.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which statement best describes the energy transfer in an ecosystem?

• A. Energy is transferred from producers to consumers and then to decomposers.

• B. Energy is lost at each trophic level, primarily as heat.

• C. Energy is gained at each trophic level, increasing the total energy in the ecosystem.

• D. Energy is stored at each trophic level, with no loss to the environment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Ethan is modeling food chains he observes in his local ecosystem. Which of these models represent possible food chains he might observe?

• Producer → first-level consumer → second-level consumer → third-level consumer

• Producer → third-level consumer → second-level consumer → first-level consumer

• Third-level consumer → producer → second-level consumer → first-level consumer

• First-level consumer → third-level consumer → second-level consumer → producer

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Based on the diagram, which two populations best represent trophic levels that receive the LEAST amount of the total energy provided to the ecosystem by the producer?

• Crickets and sparrows

• Toads and spiders

• Rabbits and mice

• Hognose snakes and owls

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Why are producers essential for maintaining stability in an ecosystem?

• They deplete carbon dioxide in the atmosphere without benefiting other organisms.

• They control the population of tertiary consumers.

• They are the primary source of energy for all other trophic levels.

• They rely on primary consumers for energy, ensuring the balance of the food web.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The diagram shows a partial East Texas food web. Which lists correctly classify these organisms? Select THREE that apply.

• Primary consumers: Striped skunks, Louisiana milk snakes

• Secondary consumers: Striped skunks, Louisiana milk snakes

• Top predators: Great horned owls, red-tailed hawks

• Secondary consumers: Field sparrows, Eastern gray squirrels, beetles

• Primary consumers: Field sparrows, white-tailed deer, eastern gray squirrels, beetles, ants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2