Ecosystem Dynamics and Food Chains

This video tutorial covers the concept of energy flow in ecosystems, focusing on trophic levels, producers, consumers, and decomposers. It explains how energy is transferred through food chains and food webs, highlighting the roles of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and decomposers. The tutorial also discusses the impact of changes in population dynamics within a food web. Students are encouraged to take notes and check their understanding of the material.

What do the arrows in a food chain represent?

• The direction of energy flow

• The direction of water flow

• The direction of nutrient flow

• The direction of organism movement

What is the primary source of energy for producers?

• Soil

• Water

• Air

• Sunlight

Which of the following is an example of a primary consumer?

• Snake

• Rabbit

• Tiger

• Eagle

What type of consumer is a fox?

• Primary consumer

• Secondary consumer

• Tertiary consumer

• Quaternary consumer

Which of the following is an omnivore?

• Eagle

• Human

• Tiger

• Rabbit

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• They consume autotrophs

• They produce energy from sunlight

• They consume both plants and animals

• They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients

What is the main difference between a food chain and a food web?

• A food chain shows multiple connections, while a food web shows a single path

• A food chain is more complex than a food web

• A food chain shows a single path, while a food web shows multiple connections

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

Which of the following is an example of a food chain?

• Phytoplankton -> Copepod -> Bluegill -> Shad -> Cormorant

• Phytoplankton -> Mosquito larva -> Bluegill -> Cormorant

• Phytoplankton -> Mosquito larva -> Copepod -> Bluegill -> Shad -> Cormorant

• All of the above

What happens to the population of organisms that are eaten by the Shad if the Shad population decreases?

• Their population increases

• They become extinct

• Their population decreases

• Their population remains the same

What is the likely outcome for the Cormorant population if the Shad population suddenly disappears?

• The Cormorant population would become extinct

• The Cormorant population would remain the same

• The Cormorant population would increase

• The Cormorant population would decrease