Energy Transfer

Question 1

What 2 things is there less of every time you move up a trophic level?

Answer 1

1. Energy

2. Biomass

Question 2

What is the source of energy for nearly all life on earth?

Answer 2

The Sun

Question 3

How is some light energy from the Sun lost on the ‘green plants and algae’ trophic level?

Answer 3

A small percentage is used to make FOOD during PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Question 4

Where is the energy in green plants and algae stored?

Answer 4

In the substances which make up their cells

Question 5

How do animals (especially birds and mammals) lose energy? (2)

Answer 5

1. Through RESPIRATION- usually as HEAT to the surroundings caused by movement
2. Energy and BIOMASS lost in organisms’ WASTE MATERIALS

Question 6

Why do birds and mammals lose energy to their surroundings through respiration more than other types of animals?

Answer 6

Because they have to keep their bodies at a constant temperature which is normally higher than their surroundings

Question 7

Why is energy lost when consumers consume?

Answer 7

Some of the material which makes up plants and animals is INEDIBLE (e.g. bone)- doesn’t pass to next stage of food chain

Question 8

What are the energy (and biomass) is lost as you move through the food chain?

Answer 8

1. To MAKE food in PHOTOSYNTHESIS
2. respiration - movement - heat to surroundings
3. • BIOMASS - waste materials
4. Some material INEDIBLE

Question 9

What explains biomass pyramids?

Answer 9

The biomass lost at each trophic level

Question 10

‘Some food chains can go on almost indefinitely’

• How true is this statement?
• Why?

Answer 10

Incredibly FALSE

• Very few food chains have more than about 5 trophic levels.
• Because so much energy is lost at each stage that there’s not enough to support more organisms after 4 or 5 stages