Food Webs: Cycling of Matter and Flow of Energy

Front

What is a decomposer and can you give an example?

Back

A decomposer is an organism that breaks down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil. An example of a decomposer is a worm.

Front

What role do plants play in the food web?

Back

Plants are considered producers because they make their own food through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms where each is eaten by the next, while a food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains.

Front

What process do organisms undergo to convert food into energy?

Back

Organisms undergo cellular respiration to convert food into energy.

Front

What is an apex consumer?

Back

An apex consumer is a predator at the top of a food chain that has no natural enemies.

Front

How do energy and matter cycle through an ecosystem?

Back

Energy flows through an ecosystem in one direction (from producers to consumers) while matter cycles through the ecosystem as organisms decompose and nutrients are recycled.

Front

What is photosynthesis and why is it important?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy (food). It is important because it is the foundation of the food web, providing energy for all consumers.

Front

What are primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers eat producers (herbivores), secondary consumers eat primary consumers (carnivores or omnivores), and tertiary consumers eat secondary consumers.

Front

What is the significance of biodiversity in a food web?

Back

Biodiversity increases the resilience of a food web, allowing it to withstand changes and disturbances.

Front

How do human activities impact food webs?

Back

Human activities such as pollution, deforestation, and overfishing can disrupt food webs by altering habitats and reducing biodiversity.