Trophic Efficiency p. 306
Review: Trophic Level: Feeding level of an organism in a food chain or web. a) Trophic level 1 = plants b) Trophic level 2 = herbivores c) Trophic level 3 = carnivores that eat the herbivores. d) Trophic level 4 = carnivores that eat other carnivores (usually the top carnivore)
Energy in an Ecosystem The quantity of energy that is transferred from one level to the next is about 10%.
Pyramid of Energy Measures the total chemical energy circulating between each trophic level. 10% of energy is passed on to the next trophic level.
Energy Pyramid
To feed more humans at once, it is more efficient to eat from shorter food chains. Grains → Humans Grains → Cow → Humans
Feeding Consumption of most North Americans Consumption of meat – comparing different countries
Video – “Meat” the Truth Maybe the future? Video – “Meat” the Future Discuss
To Do: Notes Activity – From Land to Mouth
In Conclusion... Compared to animals, green plants produce more energy per unit per area of land. Most energy in ecosystems or agricultural land comes from plants. So, animals produce less energy than plants cultivated on the same area of land.