energy pyramids and trophic levels

What is an atom?

An atom is the smallest unit of matter that retains an element's chemical identity.

What are the three main subatomic particles?

Protons, neutrons, and electrons.

What is a molecule?

A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.

What is the periodic table?

The periodic table is a tabular arrangement of chemical elements, organized by atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.

What is an energy pyramid?

An energy pyramid is a graphical model representing the flow of energy from one trophic level to the next in an ecosystem. It typically shows that the amount of energy decreases significantly at each successive level.

What are trophic levels?

Trophic levels describe the position an organism occupies in a food chain or food web. They indicate how far an organism is from the primary source of energy (usually the sun).

List the main trophic levels.

The main trophic levels are:

1. Producers (Autotrophs): Organisms that produce their own food (e.g., plants).
2. Primary Consumers (Herbivores): Organisms that eat producers.
3. Secondary Consumers (Carnivores/Omnivores): Organisms that eat primary consumers.
4. Tertiary Consumers: Organisms that eat secondary consumers.
5. Decomposers/Detritivores: Break down dead organic matter from all levels.

How much energy is typically transferred from one trophic level to the next?

Approximately 10\% of the energy from one trophic level is transferred to the next. The rest is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes.

Why is an energy pyramid broader at its base?

The base of an energy pyramid is broader because it represents the producers, which have the largest amount of energy. This larger energy base is necessary to support the progressively smaller energy amounts at higher trophic levels.