The Dynamics of Food Chains in Ecosystems

The video explains food chains, showing how energy is transferred from plants to animals in an ecosystem. It illustrates examples from the African plains and marine environments, highlighting the importance of balance in ecosystems. The video also discusses the consequences of changes in the ecosystem, such as the impact of removing predators like lions, which can lead to overpopulation and resource depletion.

What is the primary purpose of a food chain?

• To display the number of animals in an ecosystem

• To illustrate how energy is transferred between organisms

• To show the hierarchy of animals

• To identify the most powerful predator

In the African plains food chain, what animal eats the zebra?

• Elephant

• Cheetah

• Giraffe

• Lion

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

• Grass -> Zebra -> Lion

• Trees -> Giraffe -> Lion

• Seagrass -> Shrimp -> Sardines -> Snapper

• Grass -> Grasshopper -> Toad -> Snake -> Eagle

What might happen if all the lions in the African savannah were wiped out by disease?

• The zebra population would decrease

• The grass would become overgrown

• The zebra population would increase initially

• The ecosystem would remain unchanged

Why is it important for zebras to be eaten by lions in the ecosystem?

• To keep the lion population in check

• To ensure the zebras do not overpopulate and deplete resources

• To maintain the grass population

• To provide food for other predators