Energy Transfers Flashcards
Why is energy lost by herbivores in their waste?
Herbivores cannot digest all the plant material they eat, so it is passed out in faeces, resulting in energy loss.
Why is energy lost by carnivores in their waste?
Carnivores cannot digest all of their prey, such as hooves, claws, bones, teeth. Therefore it is lost in their faeces. Also when an animal eats more protein than it needs, the excess is broken down and gets passed out as urea in the urine.
How is energy lost to movement?
Part of the biomass eaten is used for respiration in cells. This supplies all the energy needs for the living processes taking place within the body, including movement.
How is energy lost as heat?
When keeping their body temperature constant animals transfer heat to their surroundings. Some of this heat is produced the muscles as the animals move.
