Ecosystem Energy and Food Chains

The video explores the interconnectedness of ecosystems, focusing on the flow of matter and energy. It explains photosynthesis as the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy, and cellular respiration as its complementary process. The Everglades food chain is used to illustrate trophic levels, from producers to apex predators. The video also discusses the concept of food webs, highlighting the complexity of ecosystems. It concludes with an explanation of energy transfer, the 10% rule, and the laws of thermodynamics, emphasizing the limited energy available to higher trophic levels.

What is the primary source of energy for ecosystems?

• The Sun

• The Moon

• The Earth

• The Ocean

Which process allows plants to convert sunlight into energy?

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Digestion

• Fermentation

What is the role of chlorophyll in plants?

• Producing oxygen

• Releasing carbon dioxide

• Absorbing water

• Absorbing sunlight

In the Everglades food chain, what is the primary consumer?

• Gambusia

• American alligator

• Mosquito larvae

• Great blue heron

Which organism is considered a tertiary consumer in the Everglades?

• American alligator

• Mosquito larvae

• Gambusia

• Great blue heron

What is a food web?

• A diagram of decomposers

• A list of all producers

• Multiple interconnected food chains

• A single food chain

Which type of consumer eats both plants and animals?

• Herbivore

• Carnivore

• Omnivore

• Decomposer

What percentage of energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 5%

• 10%

• 20%

• 50%

Why are there fewer apex predators compared to producers in an ecosystem?

• Apex predators are more intelligent

• Apex predators are larger

• Producers reproduce faster

• Less energy is available at higher trophic levels

What happens to energy as it moves up the trophic levels?

• It decreases

• It increases

• It is destroyed

• It remains constant