Trophic Levels, Food Chains, and Food Webs

• Topics include trophic levels, food chains, food webs, mitosis, and cell division

Trophic Levels, Food Chains, and Food Webs

• The food chain always starts with the sun
• Energy captured by producers, like plants, flows through the entire chain
• Connects all living organisms in an ecosystem

Food Chains

• Represents the flow of energy and feeding relationships from one organism to another in an ecosystem
• Organisms like plants and algae create their own food through photosynthesis
• Forming the base of the food chain

Producers

• Herbivores feed directly on producers
• Examples: grasshoppers, deer, or rabbits

Primary Consumers

• Carnivores or omnivores eat primary consumers, like frogs, small birds, or lizards

Second Consumers

• Predators eat secondary consumers, such as snakes, hawks, or big cats

Tertiary Consumers

• Top predators have no natural enemies, such as sharks, eagles, or lions

Apex Predators/Quaternary Consumers

• Food web interaction example: Eagle -> Fox -> Rabbit -> Grasshopper (Grass)
• Pyramid structure: Carnivores on top, then herbivores, producers (grass which has insects)

Mitosis

• A type of cell division that helps in body growth and repairs

Identical Cells

• One cell divides to form two identical cells
• The new cells have the same job as the original cell

IPMAT (Cell Division Phases)

Interphase

• Longest phase
• Includes G1 phase, Synthesis phase, and G2 phase
• DNA replication occurs
• Cell prepares for division

Prophase

• Chromosomes condense
• Nuclear membrane disappears
• Main event: Spindle fibers form

Metaphase

• Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate

Anaphase

• Chromatids are pulled apart
• Chromatids move to opposite poles

Telophase

• Nuclear membrane reforms around chromosomes
• Two nuclei are formed

Cytokinesis

• The cell finally splits into two identical daughter cells

Chromosome

• Found inside the nucleus of a cell
• Composed of proteins and DNA organized into genes

Chromatids

• One of the two identical halves of a chromosome replicated in preparation for cell division

Explore trophic levels, food chains, and food webs. Understand energy flow from producers to apex predators in ecosystems. Learn about the roles of producers, consumers, and predators in maintaining ecological balance.