Energy Flow in Food Webs

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following factors can decrease Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)?

Lower temperatures

Deficient soil nutrients (correct)

Increased sunlight

High humidity

Biodiversity refers only to the variety of animal species on Earth.

False

Name one ecosystem that has very high productivity and explain why.

Tropical rainforest; due to high temperatures and abundant sunlight, leading to optimal conditions for plant growth.

Only about _____ of the energy contained in one trophic level is incorporated into the bodies of the next trophic level.

10% Signup and view all the answers

Match the type of ecological pyramid with its description:

Pyramid of energy = Illustrates energy flow through each trophic level Pyramid of biomass = Represents the total biomass at each trophic level Pyramid of numbers = Shows the number of organisms at each level Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about a food web?

It is a complex network of interconnected food chains. Signup and view all the answers

All producers are autotrophs that can create their own food through photosynthesis.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role do decomposers play in the food web?

Decomposers break down dead organic material and return nutrients to the environment. Signup and view all the answers

First-order consumers are also known as __________.

herbivores Signup and view all the answers

Match the following trophic levels with their corresponding organisms:

First-order consumers = Herbivores (e.g., grasshoppers) Second-order consumers = Carnivores (e.g., snakes) Producers = Plants (e.g., grass) Decomposers = Bacteria and fungi Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for consumers in a food chain?

Other living organisms Signup and view all the answers

Energy is conserved as it moves up through the food chain.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy?

Photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'detritus'?

Dead plant material, fecal wastes, and dead bodies Signup and view all the answers

Decomposers do not play a significant role in nutrient cycling in ecosystems.

False Signup and view all the answers

What role do scavengers play in the detritus food web?

Scavengers break down large pieces of dead matter and contribute to nutrient cycling. Signup and view all the answers

The rate of solar energy captured in sugar molecules during photosynthesis is known as _____.

Gross Primary Productivity Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their appropriate definitions:

GPP = The rate of solar energy captured in photosynthesis NPP = The energy remaining after producers' own energy needs are met Detritus Feeders = Organisms that consume partially decomposed matter Scavengers = Organisms that consume carcasses and dead materials Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the energy released by decomposers in ecosystems?

It is returned to the environment as heat energy. Signup and view all the answers

Higher ecosystem productivity results in fewer producers.

False Signup and view all the answers

List two examples of chemical decomposers.

Fungi and bacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Energy flow is characterized by food chains and complex food webs that link various organisms.
Food chains depict nutritional sequences, while food webs represent interconnected chains within an ecosystem.

Trophic Levels and Energy Transfer

Energy passes through trophic levels:
- Autotrophs (producers) create organic material from inorganic substances.
- Heterotrophs consume organic material for energy, categorized into herbivores (first-order), carnivores (second-order or higher), and omnivores.
Energy transferred through the food chain is dissipated at higher levels, with only about 10% typically moving to the next trophic stage.

Producers

Primary producers include plants and photosynthetic microorganisms that convert sunlight into chemical energy.
Chemosynthesis allows some bacteria to harness energy from inorganic molecules for organic matter production.
Terrestrial ecosystems rely heavily on green plants, while aquatic ecosystems feature diverse microscopic producers.

Consumers

Consumers vary greatly in size from plankton to large mammals, with roles defined by their feeding practices.
Scavengers and detritus feeders, such as earthworms and vultures, play crucial roles in decomposing organic matter.

Decomposers

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, thereby maintaining ecosystem health.
Release energy as heat and help in nutrient recovery for plant absorption.

Ecosystem Productivity

Productivity denotes the efficiency of producers in converting solar energy to biomass, measured as Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) and Net Primary Productivity (NPP).
GPP is the total solar energy captured, while NPP represents energy available for consumers after accounting for producer's own energy uses.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

Higher productivity often correlates with greater biodiversity which includes a wide variety of life forms.
Biodiversity is ecologically and economically significant, offering resources such as food, shelter, and medicine.

Ecological Pyramids

Ecological pyramids visually represent the distribution of energy, biomass, or organism numbers at each trophic level.
Types of pyramids include the pyramid of energy, biomass, and numbers, illustrating energy flow and resource availability in ecosystems.

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Description

Explore the concepts of food chains and food webs in this quiz. Understand how energy flows through various trophic levels, from plants to herbivores to predators. This quiz will help you grasp the complex relationships in ecosystems.