Lecture V. Energy Flow Food Webs and Trophic Pyramids

Question 1

Explain energy decline from each trophic transition

Answer 1

We lose 90% of available energy declining by each trophic transition which is used for various processes, a lot of the energy is lost, MEANING we also lose a lot of biomass

Question 2

how are trophic levels influenced?

Answer 2

Organisms in different trophic levels are influenced from ABOVE by predation (top down control [biotic factor effects host]) and from BELOW by production (bottom-up control [abiotic factor effects host plant])

• wolves would be an example of top down control
• some grass grows, not many insects, add compost, plants grow a lot more once compost and nutrients are added, causing more insects