Energy Flow and Ecosystem Dynamics

The video explains the flow of energy in ecosystems, contrasting it with matter cycling. Energy enters ecosystems primarily through sunlight, converted by autotrophs, and through chemosynthesis by chemoautotrophs. It flows through food chains, with significant loss as heat at each trophic level. Cellular respiration converts energy into ATP, but much is lost as heat, which cannot be reused. The video highlights the 10% energy transfer rule between trophic levels, limiting the number of higher-level consumers.

What is the main difference between energy flow and matter cycling in ecosystems?

• Energy can be reused, but matter cannot.

• Matter flows through ecosystems, while energy cycles.

• Energy flows through ecosystems, while matter cycles.

• Both energy and matter cycle through ecosystems.

How do most ecosystems on Earth receive their energy?

• From wind energy

• From chemical reactions

• From sunlight

• From geothermal vents

What are chemoautotrophs?

• Organisms that consume other organisms for energy

• Organisms that break down organic or inorganic molecules for energy

• Organisms that produce energy through photosynthesis

• Organisms that rely on sunlight for energy

In a simple food chain, what role does the grasshopper play?

• Tertiary consumer

• Primary consumer

• Primary producer

• Secondary consumer

What process allows organisms to convert carbon compounds into ATP?

• Photosynthesis

• Cellular respiration

• Chemosynthesis

• Fermentation

What happens to most of the energy as it flows through an ecosystem?

• It is lost as heat

• It is converted into matter

• It is stored in the ecosystem

• It is recycled back into the ecosystem

Why can't living organisms convert heat back into other forms of energy?

• Heat is already in its most useful form

• Heat is not a form of energy

• Organisms lack the necessary mechanisms

• Heat is a stable form of energy

Approximately what percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

• 50%

• 10%

• 90%

• 25%

Why are there typically fewer tertiary consumers than secondary consumers in an ecosystem?

• Tertiary consumers are less efficient

• There is less energy available at higher trophic levels

• Secondary consumers are more adaptable

• Tertiary consumers reproduce more slowly

What restricts the length of food chains in ecosystems?

• The diversity of species

• The availability of sunlight

• The amount of matter cycling

• The loss of energy between trophic levels