Energy Pyramid and Ecosystem Flow

Energy Pyramid

• Shows the flow of energy within an ecosystem
• Energy originates from the sun
• All life forms depend on the sun
• Ecosystem function relies on a interconnected web of life
• Energy is transferred through the ecosystem

Introduction

• Ecosystems function through a complex energy flow
• This involves all species, from tiny bugs to giant trees
• Every living being plays a role in energy flow

Sun's Energy

• Sun is the ultimate source of all energy within an ecosystem
• Energy from sun powers all living things in the ecosystem
• Energy flow from sun to plants, then to animals
• Energy is lost as heat along the transfer

Producers

• Plants are the base of the food chain
• All living things depend on plants as a food source
• Plants use sunlight, water, and air to make food through photosynthesis
• Producers make their own food to fuel the ecosystem
• Without producers, other life cannot survive

Consumers

• Consumers eat producers or other consumers to survive
• Consumers can't make their own food
• Three main types:
  • Herbivores: eat only plants (e.g., rabbits, deer)
  • Carnivores: eat other animals (e.g., foxes, lions)
  • Omnivores: eat both plants and animals (e.g., humans, bears)

Consumers in the Energy Pyramid

• Energy is transferred between producers and consumers
• Much energy is lost as heat during transfer
• Levels of consumers:
  • Primary consumers: eat producers
  • Secondary consumers: eat primary consumers
  • Tertiary consumers: eat secondary consumers

Decomposers

• Decomposers are the ecosystem's cleanup crew
• They break down dead plants and animals
• Animals and plants remain in simpler substances
• Important part of energy flow: release nutrients into the soil for plants to use again
• Without decomposers, dead matter would accumulate, disrupting the ecosystem

Energy Pyramid

• Energy is lost as it moves up the pyramid
• Amount of energy decreases at each level with primary producers having the most energy
• Primary producers have the greatest amount of energy, while tertiary consumers have the least amount
• Each level loses energy
• The top levels have less energy to survive

Summary

• Energy pyramid is a model depicting how energy moves through ecosystems
• Each level in the system is crucial for the ecosystem's balance
• The sun is the source of all energy flows in the ecosystem