Energy In Food Chains

Question 1

How does the energy in food chains flow?

Answer 1

Energy in food chains always flow in one direction

Question 2

What is the order in which the energy flows?

Answer 2

1. Light energy from the Sun
2. The light energy is transferred to an autotroph, which captures the energy, which uses it for photosynthesis and stores it in its cells
3. A herbivore heterotroph consumes the autotroph, some energy that is stored in the plant is transferred and stored in the herbivore’s cells
4. A carnivore eats the herbivore heterotroph. Some energy is transferred and stored in its cells.
5. Dead organis are fed on by decay organisms

Question 3

What are dead organisms fed on by?

Answer 3

Detritivores; woodlice etc

Question 4

Throughout the food chain how is energy lost?

Answer 4

Lost through heat or respiration
Excreted as waste products
Trapped in materials such as bone and fur

Question 5

What does it mean if energy is lost in the food chain?

Answer 5

Apart from there being less energy available at each stage of energy transfer. But it also mean’s there’s a limit to the length of a food chain.