Ecology SOL Unit 6.4 - Energy Flow

How does energy flow through an ecosystem?

• In one direction

• In a circular motion

• Randomly

• Back and forth

Answer explanation

Energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction, starting from producers (like plants) to consumers (herbivores and carnivores) and finally to decomposers. This linear flow is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance.

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What does the Second Law of Thermodynamics state about energy?

• More energy is wasted as energy is transferred.

• Energy is always conserved.

• Energy can be created.

• Energy can be destroyed.

Answer explanation

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that energy transfers are not 100% efficient, leading to energy dissipation as waste heat. Thus, more energy is wasted as energy is transferred, making this the correct choice.

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NGSS.HS-PS3-4

What is the relationship between primary consumers and secondary consumers?

• Primary consumers outnumber secondary consumers.

• Secondary consumers outnumber primary consumers.

• They are equal in number.

Answer explanation

Primary consumers, such as herbivores, feed on plants and are more numerous in an ecosystem, providing a food source for fewer secondary consumers, like carnivores. This relationship ensures energy transfer through the food chain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is the main source of energy entering ecosystems?

• Sunlight

• Wind

• Water

• Soil

Answer explanation

The main source of energy entering ecosystems is sunlight. It drives photosynthesis in plants, which forms the basis of food chains and supports all life forms in the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Who was the first ecologist to describe the ecological pyramid?

• Charles Darwin

• Charles Elton

• Alfred Wallace

• Carl Linnaeus

Answer explanation

Charles Elton was the first ecologist to describe the ecological pyramid, illustrating the energy flow and biomass distribution in ecosystems. His work laid the foundation for understanding ecological relationships.

What type of organisms are consumers in an ecosystem?

• Autotrophs

• Heterotrophs

• Decomposers

• Producers

Answer explanation

Consumers in an ecosystem are heterotrophs, which obtain energy by consuming other organisms. Unlike autotrophs that produce their own food, heterotrophs rely on plants, animals, or decomposers for sustenance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

What is the typical food chain where plants are the producers called?

• Detritus Food Chain

• Grazing Food Chain

• Saprophytic Food Chain

• Carnivorous Food Chain

Answer explanation

The typical food chain where plants serve as producers is called the Grazing Food Chain. In this chain, herbivores consume plants, forming the primary link between producers and higher trophic levels.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

What is a food web?

• A single food chain

• A network of interconnected food chains

• A type of ecosystem

• A group of producers

Answer explanation

A food web is a network of interconnected food chains, illustrating how different organisms are related through feeding relationships. This complexity shows the various paths energy and nutrients take in an ecosystem.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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What type of consumers are herbivores?

• Primary Consumers

• Secondary Consumers

• Tertiary Consumers

• Producers

Answer explanation

Herbivores are classified as primary consumers because they directly consume producers (plants) for energy. They occupy the second trophic level in the food chain, feeding on the first level of producers.

Label the energy pyramid.

d

a

b

c

Tertiary Consumer

Producer

Secondary Consumer

Primary Consumer

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3