Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem

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What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow between different organisms.

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What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

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What do the arrows in a food chain or web represent?

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The arrows show the direction in which energy is flowing between organisms.

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What is a producer in an ecosystem?

Back

A producer is an organism, usually a plant, that can make its own food through photosynthesis, providing energy for other organisms.

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What is a primary consumer?

Back

A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are typically herbivores.

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What is a secondary consumer?

Back

A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

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What is a tertiary consumer?

Back

A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are often top predators in an ecosystem.

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What happens if a primary consumer population decreases?

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If a primary consumer population decreases, the population of producers may increase, while the population of secondary consumers may decrease due to lack of food.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment, including both biotic and abiotic factors.

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What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers.