Food Chains And Food Webs

1. Which of the following correctly shows how energy flows through a food chain?

Sun --> carnivores --> producers --> herbivores

Sun --> producers --> herbivores --> carnivores

Sun --> herbivores --> carnivores --> producers

Sun --> producers --> carnivores --> herbivores

The correct answer is "Sun --> producers --> herbivores --> carnivores." This is because energy flows from the Sun to producers (plants) through the process of photosynthesis. Herbivores (animals that eat plants) obtain energy by consuming producers, and carnivores (animals that eat other animals) obtain energy by consuming herbivores. Therefore, the correct sequence shows the flow of energy through a food chain.

Explanation

The correct answer is "Sun --> producers --> herbivores --> carnivores." This is because energy flows from the Sun to producers (plants) through the process of photosynthesis. Herbivores (animals that eat plants) obtain energy by consuming producers, and carnivores (animals that eat other animals) obtain energy by consuming herbivores. Therefore, the correct sequence shows the flow of energy through a food chain.

2. What is the original source of energy in a food web?

Decomposers

Consumers

Producers

The Sun

The original source of energy in a food web is the Sun. The Sun provides light energy, which is converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis by producers (such as plants) in the food web. This energy is then transferred to consumers (such as animals) when they consume the producers. Decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and release the stored energy back into the ecosystem, but the ultimate source of this energy is still the Sun.

Explanation

The original source of energy in a food web is the Sun. The Sun provides light energy, which is converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis by producers (such as plants) in the food web. This energy is then transferred to consumers (such as animals) when they consume the producers. Decomposers break down the remains of dead organisms and release the stored energy back into the ecosystem, but the ultimate source of this energy is still the Sun.

3. What is the role of a consumer in the flow of energy through a food chain?

Obtaining necessary nutrients from the soil

Transforming the Sun's energy to make food

Gaining energy by eating other living things

Decomposing the remains of living things

Consumers play a crucial role in the flow of energy through a food chain by gaining energy through the consumption of other living things. They obtain energy by feeding on producers (plants) or other consumers (animals), thereby transferring the energy stored in the food to themselves. This energy is then utilized by consumers for various life processes such as growth, reproduction, and movement. By consuming other organisms, consumers help to transfer energy from one trophic level to another, ensuring the flow of energy through the food chain.

Explanation

Consumers play a crucial role in the flow of energy through a food chain by gaining energy through the consumption of other living things. They obtain energy by feeding on producers (plants) or other consumers (animals), thereby transferring the energy stored in the food to themselves. This energy is then utilized by consumers for various life processes such as growth, reproduction, and movement. By consuming other organisms, consumers help to transfer energy from one trophic level to another, ensuring the flow of energy through the food chain.

4. A diagram of a prairie food web is provided. Which organism in this food chain gets its energy, indirectly, from prairie grass?

Squirrel

Mountain lion

Robin

Eagle

The mountain lion gets its energy indirectly from prairie grass because it preys on animals, such as the squirrel, that directly consume the grass. The squirrel, in turn, relies on the grass as a source of energy. This creates a chain of energy transfer from the grass to the squirrel, and then to the mountain lion.

Explanation

The mountain lion gets its energy indirectly from prairie grass because it preys on animals, such as the squirrel, that directly consume the grass. The squirrel, in turn, relies on the grass as a source of energy. This creates a chain of energy transfer from the grass to the squirrel, and then to the mountain lion.

5. A diagram is provided. The food web depicted here would be able to support the smallest number of which of the following organisms?

Diatoms

Shrimp

Squid

Tuna

The food web depicted in the diagram shows a hierarchical relationship between different organisms. Tuna is a large predator that feeds on smaller organisms like squid and shrimp. Diatoms, on the other hand, are microscopic organisms that form the base of the food chain by producing food through photosynthesis. Since diatoms are at the bottom of the food chain, they can support a larger number of organisms, including shrimp, squid, and eventually tuna. Therefore, tuna would require the smallest number of organisms to be supported in this food web.

Explanation

The food web depicted in the diagram shows a hierarchical relationship between different organisms. Tuna is a large predator that feeds on smaller organisms like squid and shrimp. Diatoms, on the other hand, are microscopic organisms that form the base of the food chain by producing food through photosynthesis. Since diatoms are at the bottom of the food chain, they can support a larger number of organisms, including shrimp, squid, and eventually tuna. Therefore, tuna would require the smallest number of organisms to be supported in this food web.