Energy Flow in Living Systems

Living things need food in order to grow and live. How do producers obtain their food?

• They eat other producers.

• They eat consumers.

• They make their own food.

• They eat both producers and consumers.

Answer explanation

Producers, such as plants, obtain their food by making it through photosynthesis. They convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into glucose, which provides them with the energy needed to grow and live.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following organisms is NOT a consumer?

• A herbivore

• A mushroom

• A rabbit

• An apple tree

Answer explanation

An apple tree is a producer, as it creates its own food through photosynthesis. In contrast, herbivores, mushrooms, and rabbits are consumers that rely on other organisms for energy.

Which term below describes a connection of food chains with many energy paths?

• food web

• food chain

• food pyramid

• ecosystem

Answer explanation

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains, illustrating how energy flows through an ecosystem. It shows multiple paths of energy transfer, unlike a food chain, which is linear.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

The source of all the energy in an ecosystem is

• the ocean

• the sun

• the earth

• the weather

Answer explanation

The sun is the primary source of energy for ecosystems, driving photosynthesis in plants, which forms the base of the food chain. Other options like the ocean, earth, and weather do not provide the initial energy needed for life.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following is NOT a producer?

• Grass

• Oak tree

• Mushroom

• Algae

Answer explanation

Mushrooms are fungi and do not perform photosynthesis, making them decomposers rather than producers. In contrast, grass, oak trees, and algae are all capable of producing their own food through photosynthesis.

Where do producers get their energy?

• the sun

• dead plants and animals

• other animals

• plants

Answer explanation

Producers, like plants, primarily get their energy from the sun through photosynthesis. They convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is essential for their growth and sustenance.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Producers convert the sun's energy into food through

• metamorphosis

• photosynthesis

• transpiration

• the food chain

Answer explanation

Producers, such as plants, convert the sun's energy into food through photosynthesis. This process involves using sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen, making photosynthesis the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Which term describes a path of energy from one organism to another?

• ecosystem

• food chain

• photosynthesis

• food web

Answer explanation

The term 'food chain' describes the linear path of energy transfer from one organism to another, illustrating how energy moves through different levels of an ecosystem. It is distinct from 'food web', which shows more complex interactions.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which term describes an animal that hunts and feeds on another organism?

• prey

• herbivore

• decomposer

• predator

Answer explanation

The term 'predator' refers to an animal that hunts and feeds on another organism, while 'prey' is the organism being hunted. 'Herbivore' describes plant-eating animals, and 'decomposer' refers to organisms that break down dead matter.

A food chain shows the flow of

• food

• organisms

• energy

• water

Answer explanation

A food chain illustrates how energy flows through an ecosystem, from producers to consumers. While it involves organisms, the primary focus is on the transfer of energy, making 'energy' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3