Energy Pyramid & Food Webs

What is the first trophic level in a food pyramid?

• Primary consumers

• Secondary consumers

• Producers

• Tertiary consumers

What rule explains why each trophic level in a food pyramid gets progressively smaller?

• The Energy Conservation Rule

• The Predator-Prey Rule

• The Biomass Rule

• The 10% Rule

Why are top predators like the American alligator considered 'apex predators'?

• Because they have no natural enemies.

• Because they are the largest animals in the ecosystem.

• Because they are at the top of the food pyramid.

• Because they can move to different trophic levels.

What is the main role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• They prey on herbivores.

• They break down organic waste and tissue.

• They produce biomass.

• They regulate the population of other species.

Why is a food pyramid shaped as a pyramid and not a column?

• Because of the decreasing number of organisms at each trophic level.

• Because it represents the hierarchical structure of power in the ecosystem.

• Because it is easier to draw.

• Because of the increasing biomass at each level.

What percentage of energy is typically passed from one trophic level to the next?

• 50%

• 25%

• 10%

• 75%

Which of the following is not a producer?

• Periphyton

• Mangroves

• Sawgrass

• Mosquito fish

Why are plants considered the first link in any food chain?

• Because they consume other organisms.

• Because they produce their own food through photosynthesis.

• Because they are the largest organisms.

• Because they can move to find food.