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Understanding Energy Flow Through Trophic Levels: From Producers to Decomposers

This overview explores the flow of energy through the trophic levels of an ecosystem, beginning with producers and extending to quaternary consumers. It contrasts autotrophs, like plants that harness sunlight through photosynthesis, with heterotrophs, such as herbivores and carnivores. The role of decomposers is highlighted, emphasizing their importance in nutrient cycling. Key concepts include the distinction between photosynthesis and chemosynthesis, energy transfer in food chains and webs, and the definition of ecological pyramids. Discover the dynamics of energy transfer that sustain life on Earth.

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Understanding Energy Flow Through Trophic Levels: From Producers to Decomposers

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  1. Energy FlowSection 3-2 Objectives: Trace the flow of energy as it decreases through the trophic levels from producers to the quaternary level. Contrasting autotrophs and heterotrophs Describing the niche of decomposers

  2. Producers: • Definition???? • What is the main source of energy for life on Earth? • What about organisms at the bottom of the ocean, where sunlight doesn’t reach? • These organisms rely on energy stored in inorganic chemical compounds (i.e., salts).

  3. Producers, continued… • Producers are also called autotrophs. • “auto” = ? • “troph” = ? • Some producers capture the energy from sunlight through a process called _________________. • Photosynthesis uses light to convert ____________ and _____________ to ____________ and ______________.

  4. Producers, continued… • Photosynthesis • “photo” = ? • “synthesis” = ? • Chemosynthesis • “chemo” = ? • “synthesis” = ?

  5. Photosynthesis vs. Chemosynthesis • Photosynthesis: • 6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2 • Carbon dioxide + water yields carbohydrates (glucose) and oxygen, in the presence of sunlight. • Chemosynthesis: • Hydrogen sulfide and oxygen combine to form sulfur compounds, which are then used with carbon dioxide to make carbohydrates. • What do sulfur compounds smell like?

  6. Consumers: • What are they?? • AKA, heterotrophs: • “hetero” = ? • “troph” = • Types of heterotrophs (consumers): • Herbivores • Carnivores • Omnivores • Detritivores • Decomposers

  7. Feeding Relationships • Where does the energy flow begin in an ecosystem? • ANSWER: sunlight or inorganic chemical compounds • Then it flows in one direction, from producers to various levels of consumers (heterotrophs).

  8. Food Chains: • Def: a series of steps by which organisms transfer energy by eating or being eaten. http://ejad.best.vwh.net/java/population/facts_foodchain.html

  9. Food Webs: • Def: a network of complex interactions of all the food chains in an ecosystem.

  10. Trophic Levels • Producers • Primary consumers (herbivores) • Secondary consumers (carnivores which eat herbivores) • Tertiary consumers (carnivores which eat other carnivores) • Apex predators – carnivores which have no predators

  11. Ecological Pyramids

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