Unit 9 Flow of Energy

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose, using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What is the flow of energy in an ecosystem?

Back

The flow of energy in an ecosystem refers to the transfer of energy from one organism to another through food chains and food webs, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

Front

What are producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms, such as plants and algae, that produce their own food through photosynthesis and form the base of the food chain.

Front

What are consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on eating other organisms (plants or animals) for energy.

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how energy and nutrients are transferred among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

What happens to energy as it moves up the food chain?

Back

As energy moves up the food chain, approximately 90% of the energy is lost as heat, and only about 10% is passed on to the next level.

Front

What role do herbivores play in the flow of energy?

Back

Herbivores are primary consumers that obtain energy by eating plants (producers), playing a crucial role in transferring energy from producers to higher trophic levels.

Front

What is the energy pyramid?

Back

The energy pyramid is a graphical representation that shows the amount of energy available at each trophic level in an ecosystem, with producers at the base and top predators at the top.

Front

Why are producers important in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are important because they convert solar energy into chemical energy, providing the foundation for all other organisms in the ecosystem.