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

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.

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

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

• Consumers

• Heterotrophs

• Producers

• Decomposers

Which of the following correctly shows one path that energy would flow through this ecosystem?

• Star grass → termite→ wildebeest→ aardvark

• Hyena → aardvark → impala → harvester ant

• Grasshopper → termite→ warthog → hare

• Red oat grass → termite → wildebeest → lion

Based on the diagram, which three consumers all get their energy directly 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

Based on her diagram, what is the role of the sunfish in this food web?

• To break down waste products made by insect larvae

• To provide energy for the bass and snapper turtles

• To take in light from the sun and produce food

• To consume the algae and other pond plants

Which of the following can be determined by this diagram?

• The energy of the mongoose is passed on to the hare.

• The cheetah supplies energy to a variety of organisms.

• The energy of the acacia tree is passed on to the impala.

• The aardvark, pangolin, and mongoose are all producers.

Noah has collected a mold specimen found on a tree in his backyard. Noah knows the mold is a decomposer, but what role does the mold play in a food web?

• Breaks down organic wastes and dead organisms

• Uses sunlight and water to produce its own food

• Releases oxygen into the atmosphere for respiration

• Provides the energy that animals need for food

The role of the snapper turtle is best defined by which of the following?

• To break down waste products made by producers, such as algae

• Top consumer that receives its energy from other consumers

• Converts light energy from the sun and transfers it to consumers

• Provides energy to the sunfish, snails, and bass