Energy Transfer and Food Chains

Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted. Key energy forms include solar, chemical, ATP, and thermal energy. Solar energy powers photosynthesis, converting light into chemical energy stored in glucose. Organisms use chemical energy from food to produce ATP, which powers cellular activities. ATP is eventually converted to thermal energy. Energy flows through ecosystems via food chains, starting with producers and moving to consumers. Organisms must continually obtain chemical energy to sustain life, highlighting the interdependence of biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems.

What is the fundamental principle of energy conservation?

• Energy can only be converted from one form to another.

• Energy can be created and destroyed.

• Energy is only used by plants.

• Energy is always lost in ecosystems.

Which of the following is NOT a form of energy discussed in ecological systems?

• Nuclear energy

• Chemical energy

• ATP energy

• Solar energy

How do autotrophs utilize solar energy?

• By reflecting it back into the atmosphere

• By storing it as ATP

• By using it to produce glucose through photosynthesis

• By converting it into thermal energy

What is the role of glucose in the food chain?

• It is a waste product of photosynthesis.

• It is the original source of food that supports the entire food chain.

• It is only used by carnivores.

• It is converted into solar energy.

How is chemical energy transferred in a food chain?

• From herbivores to producers to carnivores

• From producers to herbivores to carnivores

• From carnivores to herbivores to producers

• From the Sun directly to carnivores

Why do organisms need chemical energy?

• To store it as thermal energy

• To produce ATP energy

• To increase body temperature

• To convert it into solar energy

What happens to ATP energy when it is used by organisms?

• It is destroyed.

• It is converted into heat energy.

• It is stored as chemical energy.

• It is converted back into solar energy.

What is the original source of energy for ecosystems?

• Chemical energy

• Thermal energy

• ATP energy

• The Sun

What does the energy cycle in ecosystems rely on?

• The absence of solar energy

• The isolation of energy forms

• The destruction of energy

• The interdependence of biotic and abiotic factors

How do organisms meet their energy needs?

• By relying solely on ATP energy

• By converting thermal energy into chemical energy

• By obtaining chemical energy from their environment

• By creating energy