Energy & Food Webs Flashcards
Where does all energy in a food chain come from?
The sun
What do the arrows in a food gain show us?
The direction of energy flow
How is energy lost in a food chain?
Through movement and heat. It is also lost through parts of organisms not being eaten or digested (bones, horns etc.)
What is a pyramid of numbers used for?
Showing the number of organisms at each stage of a food chain
In a pyramid of numbers what is the order of organisms?
Tertiary - top
Secondary - under it
Primary - under secondary
Producer. - bottom
What is the problem with pyramids of numbers?
They aren’t always pyramids
What do Pyramids of energy show?
The transfer of energy from one level to another
What shape are pyramids of energy?
They always give a true pyramid shape
Why do we need to produce more food?
Because the population is increasing rapidly
What does fertiliser do?
Helps to replace lost nutrients and ensures healthy plant growth
What is one of the main nutrients plants need?
Nitrates
What are nitrates?
A form of nitrogen that are dissolved in soil water and plants can absorb through their roots
What are nitrates used for?
Producing amino acids which can be built up into plant protein
How do animals get protein?
Through consuming plants or other animals
What does using fertilisers do to soil?
It increases the nitrate level in it
