Trophic Levels and Food Webs Quiz

Questions and Answers

A healthy, balanced ecosystem has _______.

more producers than consumers

If predators A and B prey upon the same species and predator A is eliminated, the population of predator B will likely __________.

Remain the same

Decrease

Be eliminated

Increase (correct)

Quaternary consumers are not _______.

Animals

Consumers

Prey (correct)

Predators

Explain how trees can be producers and yet the smallest trophic level in a pyramid of numbers.

Trees are very large compared to the organisms they support, meaning even if they are fewer in number, they still occupy the producer level. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why quaternary consumers occupy the top position in the pyramid of energy.

Energy is lost at each trophic level, so when quaternary consumers eat tertiary consumers, most of the energy is lost. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how the elimination of a predator from an ecosystem might result in starvation amongst its prey species.

If the primary predator is eliminated, the prey population increases, leading to overpopulation and depletion of food resources. Signup and view all the answers

In order to look for their prey, owls _______.

Turn their head Signup and view all the answers

Explain the importance of decomposers to a food web and their interaction with quaternary consumers.

Decomposers recycle nutrients in dead organisms, allowing the food web cycle to continue. Signup and view all the answers

Explain what distinguishes primary and secondary consumers.

Primary consumers, such as herbivores, feed only on producers, while secondary consumers are predators that feed on primary consumers. Signup and view all the answers

Rabbits are best described as _______.

Primary consumers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Trophic Levels and Food Webs

A healthy ecosystem typically has more producers than consumers, providing the foundational energy source for consumers.
If predator A is removed, predator B's population is likely to increase due to reduced competition for the same prey.

Quaternary Consumers

Quaternary consumers are not prey; they occupy the top position in the food chain and have no natural predators.
Energy decreases at each trophic level; when quaternary consumers feed on tertiary consumers, only 10-15% of the energy is retained.

Producers and Biomass

Trees, despite being fewer in number, are significant producers due to their large biomass, supporting numerous smaller organisms.
Trees hold the producer level in the trophic pyramid due to their extensive energy and nutrient contribution, despite being outnumbered.

Impact of Predator Elimination

Eliminating a primary predator can lead to overpopulation of prey species, leading to resource depletion and potential starvation.
Competition for limited food supplies increases as the prey population rises unchecked, thereby impacting ecosystem balance.

Owl Behavior

Owls actively locate their prey by turning their heads, which enhances their ability to hunt efficiently.

Role of Decomposers

Decomposers are crucial in nutrient recycling within a food web, breaking down dead organic material and returning nutrients to the ecosystem.
This recycling processes impact all trophic levels, including quaternary consumers, ensuring sustainability in the ecosystem.

Consumers Distinctions

Primary consumers are primarily herbivores that feed directly on producers, while secondary consumers are carnivores that prey on primary consumers.
The main distinction lies in their dietary habits, shaping their roles within the trophic hierarchy.

Rabbit Classification

Rabbits are classified as primary consumers, primarily feeding on plants and forming an essential part of the herbivore category.

Description

Test your understanding of trophic levels and food webs with these practice flashcards. Dive into concepts like the balance of ecosystems and predator-prey relationships. Perfect for biology students looking to reinforce their knowledge.