Chapter 3.2 Energy Flow In The Ecosystem Flashcards
Why are food chains generally limited to three or four levels?
There is not enough energy at the top of the food chain to support another top level.
How does energy flow through an ecosystem?
It flows in one direction from the sun or chemical compounds to autotrophs (producers) and then to various heterotrophs (consumers).
What is a food chain?
It shows how matter and energy move through ecosystem in a series of steps showing which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten.
What is an example of a marine food chain?
Phytoplankton ——> krill ——> whale
What is a trophic level?
It is a feeding step in a food chain.
What is a food web?
Models that show all possible feeding relationships at each trophic level in a community; links all food chains in an ecosystem together.
What is a biological pyramid?
Diagram that shows amounts of energy or matter at each trophic level.
What are the three types of biological pyramids?
Energy (kcal)
Biomass (g)
Pyramid of numbers (numbers)
What are the levels in the energy pyramid?
Top - 3rd order consumer
Next lower - 2nd order consumer
Next lower - 1st order consumer
Bottom - producer
What are the trophic levels in the food chain?
Producer —> primary consumer —> secondary consumer —> tertiary consumer
