Unit 10 Part 2 Notes Energy Flow in an Ecosystem

Food Chain A simple model that shows how matter (food) and energy move through an ecosystem.

Food Web A diagram of the relationships between food chains in an ecosystem

Ecological Roles: Producers/Autotrophs Make their own food from sunlight (photosynthesis) or chemicals Base of a food chain or web Higher numbers than consumers

Ecological Roles: Producers Remember  Photosynthesis! Autotrophs!

Ecological Roles: Consumers/Heterotrophs Acquire energy and food from other organisms Also called heterotrophs

Ecological Roles: Types of Consumers Herbivores: eat only plants Carnivores: eat only other animals Omnivores: eat both plants and animals

Ecological Roles: Decomposers Break down organic matter Release energy and nutrients back into the system Examples: Bacteria + fungi

Initial Energy Source Sunlight is the main energy source for life on Earth!

Feeding Relationships Energy flow pathway: Sun/chemicals Autotrophs (Producers) Heterotrophs (Consumers)

Trophic Levels Represents a feeding step as food and energy move through an ecosystem. Begins with producers 2 nd, 3 rd, 4 th and higher levels are made up of consumers

To have a stable ecosystem you must have: – Sunlight or chemical energy – Producers – Consumers – Decomposers Think: What important functions does each role have?

Energy Pyramid Less energy available as you go up Most energy converted to heat Fewer organisms at higher levels Only 10% of the energy is available to next level

Energy Pyramid