Energy Flow Flashcards
Radiant energy from the sun is converted into
Chemical potential energy during photosynthesis and carbohydrates are stored in green plants.
Primary comsumers obtain their energy
From the plant producers they eat
Secondary and tertiary sonsumers obtain their energy from
Primary and secondary consumers
When the producers and consumers die
They are decomposed by bacteria and fungi and energy is released into the environment
Food chain
Transfer of energy /flow of energy from the sun, through green plants and various organisms
Food web
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains that illustrate the feeding relationships between various species within an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients are transferred from one organism to another through consumption.
Trophic levels
Living organisms that occur at different feeding levels
First trophic level
Producers that make their own food and have the greatest amount of energy
Aspect
Amount of light available to you depending on the area you live in
Second trophic level to fourth
Primary consumers, secondary and tertiary
Energy is used by the organisms at each trophic level for
Growth(metabolism) and energy via respiration, urine and feces therefor the energy is not available for the next trophic level
The longer a food chain
The less energy us transferred from one trophic level to another
Arrows indicate
The direction of energy flow
Different trophic levels are represented as
Ecological pyramids where the producers are the base
Three types of ecological pyramid
Pyramid of numbers
Pyramid of biomass
Pyramid of energy
Pyramid of numbers
Show the actual number of individuals on each trophic level followed by the decreasing level.
Pyramid of biomass
Total mass of the organisms at each trophic level depending on the success or productivity of an ecosystem
Pyramid of energy
Shwo the amount of energy that occurs on each trophic level
Where is energy more lost, food chain or food web
Energy is lost more in a food chain.
Here’s why:
Food Chain:
- Energy transfer occurs in a linear sequence (e.g., producer → primary consumer → secondary consumer)
- Energy loss occurs at each trophic level (approximately 90% loss)
- Less efficient energy transfer due to fewer connections
Food Web:
- Energy transfer occurs through multiple pathways and connections
- Energy loss still occurs at each trophic level, but the web’s complexity provides more opportunities for energy transfer
- More efficient energy transfer due to redundant pathways
However, overall energy loss remains high in both food chains and webs, with only about 1-10% of energy transferred from one trophic level to the next.
According to the 10% Rule:
- Producers (plants): 100% energy
- Primary consumers (herbivores): 10% energy
- Secondary consumers (carnivores): 1% energy
- Tertiary consumers (top predators): 0.1% energy
This energy loss highlights the importance of energy conservation and efficient transfer in ecosystems.
Predators
Catch their prey while they are still alive
Examples of Decomposers
Bacteria and mushroom
Extreme high temperatures can cause
Water loss in plants and animals
Fires destroy
Habitats
Droughts
Occur when there is little water or no rain in a long time
