Energy Flow in Ecosystems

This video tutorial covers the basic energy flow through an ecosystem, starting with the sun as the primary energy source. It explains trophic levels, including producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and tertiary consumers. The video differentiates between food chains and food webs, illustrating how energy is transferred through these systems. Finally, it discusses energy pyramids, highlighting the inefficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels and the concept of biomass.

What is the primary focus of this video on energy flow?

• The impact of human activities on ecosystems

• The role of oxygen in ecosystems

• The process of cellular respiration

• Basic energy flow through an ecosystem

What is the main source of energy for life on Earth?

• The Sun

• Water

• Wind

• Geothermal heat

What process do plants use to convert solar energy into chemical energy?

• Fermentation

• Photosynthesis

• Respiration

• Digestion

Which organisms are considered autotrophs?

• Decomposers

• Producers

• Carnivores

• Herbivores

What is the primary role of herbivores in an ecosystem?

• To decompose organic matter

• To consume plants

• To produce energy

• To photosynthesize

How do food chains differ from food webs?

• Food webs are linear sequences of energy flow

• Food webs show multiple interconnected food chains

• Food chains are more complex than food webs

• Food chains include only producers

What does an energy pyramid illustrate?

• The increase in energy at higher trophic levels

• The energy produced by decomposers

• The decrease in energy as it moves up trophic levels

• The constant energy flow in an ecosystem

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

• 50%

• 1%

• 25%

• 10%

Why is there less energy available at higher trophic levels?

• Energy is lost as heat and waste

• Energy is converted into oxygen

• Energy is stored in the soil

• Energy is absorbed by the atmosphere

What is the efficiency of energy transfer to tertiary consumers?

• 1%

• 10%

• 50%

• 0.1%