Photosynthesis and Energy Flow Through Living Systems

The flow of energy through living systems can be modeled as food chains, food webs, or energy pyramids. The energy organisms need to live and grow first enters the ecosystem when which of the following occurs?

• Plants take in light energy from the sun

• Decomposers break down dead organisms

• Primary consumers eat plants for food

• Secondary consumers eat primary consumers

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Organisms that are responsible for taking in the light energy to make their own food are known as which of the following?

• Consumers

• Heterotrophs

• Producers

• Decomposers

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NGSS.MS-LS1-6

A food web diagram is provided. Based on this diagram, which three consumers all get their energy from the same producer?

• Squirrel, robin, and field mouse

• Squirrel, deer, and mountain lion

• Prairie grass, deer, and mountain lion

• Plant seeds, field mouse, and snake

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following best describes how energy is transferred in a food web?

• All energy is transferred to each level of a food web.

• Energy flows from producers to one or more levels of consumers.

• Consumers transfer their energy to producers.

• Decomposers get their energy directly from the sun.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Explain how the process of photosynthesis contributes to the flow of energy in an ecosystem. Use evidence to support your explanation.

• Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy, which is then used by plants and other organisms for growth and metabolism.

• Photosynthesis breaks down glucose to release energy, which is then used by plants and other organisms for growth and metabolism.

• Photosynthesis absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, which is then used by plants and other organisms for growth and metabolism.

• Photosynthesis converts chemical energy into light energy, which is then used by plants and other organisms for growth and metabolism.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Which of the following statements best explains the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis?

• Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, which is then used to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

• Chlorophyll breaks down glucose to release energy for the plant.

• Chlorophyll absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen during photosynthesis.

• Chlorophyll converts chemical energy into light energy.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which would be the MOST useful next step for Chloe to develop the photosynthesis model further?

• Extend the lines for sunlight so that they pass through the autotroph.

• Represent a chemical reaction in the autotroph that produces high-energy carbohydrates.

• Represent a chemical reaction in the autotroph that produces high-energy proteins.

• Draw a circle to represent a heterotroph, and draw a line to connect it to the autotroph.

Answer explanation

The correct choice is to represent a chemical reaction in the autotroph that produces high-energy carbohydrates, as this step would further develop the photosynthesis model by showing the key process of energy production.

Tags

HS-LS1-5

​ (a)   synthesis : process to use light to produce sugar

• photo

• kinetic

• solar

• hydra

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

When there is less ​ (a)   the producer will not be able to perform ​ (b)   which takes ​ (c)   from the air to create energy storage molecules for the ecosystem.

• sun

• sunlight

• photosynthesis

• carbon dioxide

• cellular respiration

• oxygen

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Mr. Smith provides a diagram of a food web and asks the students to identify the various ways matter is flowing through these relationships. The diagram is provided. Based on the diagram, it is reasonable to conclude that matter could follow which of the following paths as it cycles through this ecosystem?

• Plant seeds --> grass --> deer

• Plant seeds --> field mouse --> robin

• Eagle --> deer --> plant seeds

• Grass --> deer --> mountain lion

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3