Exploring Food Chains and Webs

What is the initial source of energy in an ecosystem?

• Decomposers

• Producers

• Consumers

• The Sun

In a food chain, what do the arrows represent?

• The direction of energy flow

• The size of the organisms

• The number of organisms

• The speed of energy transfer

Which of the following is always the first trophic level in a food chain?

• Omnivores

• Producers

• Carnivores

• Herbivores

What term is used to describe the first consumer in a food chain?

• Primary consumer

• Secondary consumer

• Tertiary consumer

• Quaternary consumer

How does a food web differ from a food chain?

• A food web shows multiple feeding relationships

• A food web does not include decomposers

• A food web only includes producers

• A food web is simpler than a food chain

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They produce energy from the sun

• They consume herbivores

• They break down dead and decaying organisms

• They compete with producers for nutrients

What can cause a disturbance in a food web?

• Introduction of a new species

• All of the above

• A disease affecting a population

• A change in weather patterns

What is the primary focus of an ecological pyramid?

• The speed of energy transfer

• The size of the organisms

• The distribution of energy or matter at each trophic level

• The number of species in an ecosystem

In a pyramid of energy, what percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 25%

• 10%

• 100%

• 50%

Which type of ecological pyramid shows the mass of organisms at each trophic level?

• Pyramid of energy

• Pyramid of numbers

• Pyramid of species

• Pyramid of biomass