Energy Flow Flashcards
1
Q
What do pyramids of biomass and numbers represent?
A
Feeding relationships in food chains or webs.
2
Q
What are the features of a pyramid of biomass?
A
- Pyramid shape
- Shows dry mass
- Better to show trophic levels
3
Q
What are the features of a pyramid of numbers?
A
- Not pyramid shape
- Small bottom, not many producers even though they have a large mass
4
Q
Why are pyramids of biomass difficult to construct?
A
- Dry mass removes all water from organism which would kill it
- Organisms can feed from different trophic levels
5
Q
What is energy useful for when transferred through trophic levels?
A
Growth
6
Q
What are the less useful processes the majority of energy is used for?
A
- Heat from respiration
- Egestion
- Excretion
7
Q
How is material that is lost at each stage of the food chain not wasted?
A
Waste is used by decomposers which start off a new food chain.
8
Q
What is the efficiency calculation for energy transfer?
A
(Energy for growth/energy input) X 100
