Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Front

What happens to a prey population when its predator is removed from the ecosystem?

Back

The prey population typically increases, but eventually food shortages and disease can reduce the prey population.

Front

What does it mean when producers are labeled as 100% in an energy pyramid?

Back

Producers receive 100% of the energy from the sun.

Front

Why does energy decrease as it moves up the energy pyramid?

Back

Energy is lost as heat in each trophic level.

Front

What does an energy pyramid illustrate?

Back

The flow of energy from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem.

Front

What are organisms that get their energy by eating other organisms called?

Back

Heterotrophs.

Front

What are the primary producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Organisms that convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, such as plants.

Front

What is a trophic level?

Back

A trophic level is a position in a food chain or energy pyramid that indicates the flow of energy.

Front

What role do primary consumers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Primary consumers eat producers and are the second trophic level in the energy pyramid.

Front

What is the difference between autotrophs and heterotrophs?

Back

Autotrophs produce their own food (like plants), while heterotrophs consume other organisms for energy.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.