Energy and Balance in Ecosystems

Which organism in an ecosystem is a producer?

• A fox that eats rabbits

• A mushroom that breaks down dead plants

• Grass that uses sunlight to make food

• A hawk that hunts mice

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• They hunt animals for food

• They break down dead organisms and return nutrients to the soil

• They produce sunlight for plants

• They only live in oceans

Look at the food chain diagram. Which living thing is the producer in this food chain?

• Grasshopper

• Grass

• Bird

• Fox

Look at the food chain diagram. What is the primary source of energy for the food chain?

• Fox

• Bird

• Sun

• Grasshopper

Look at the food chain diagram. Fill in the blank: The bird is a __________ consumer.

• secondary

• primary

• tertiary

• decomposer

If the grasshopper disappeared from the food chain, what might happen to the bird? Explain your answer.

Which organism in the food chain is the primary consumer?

• The Sun

• Grass

• Rabbit

• Fox

Why is a food web more accurate than a single food chain?

• It shows only one feeding relationship

• It shows how many organisms depend on each other

• It shows only producers

• It shows where animals live

Why are producers important in a food web?

Explain how energy moves through this food chain and describe the roles of producer and consumers.