Energy pyramid Most of the energy in an ecosystem is represented by the primary producers trophic level. Each subsequent level takes approximately 10% of the energy from the one before it. Decomposers break down the dead and decaying material to return the basic components to the soil or water for the primary producers to use. Decomposers are natures recyclers. Why are there so few top carnivores?

What would happen if___ ?

Sample marine food web Food webs show the flow of energy through an ecosystem. It begins with the light energy from the sun being converted to chemical energy by photosynthetic organisms. The energy is passed on through other organisms consuming this energy. As you can see, all the organisms within an ecosystem are connected together and therefore affected by the reproductive success of the initial and subsequent food source organisms. What would happen if… The macroalgae was to not survive due to a substantial change in ocean temperature to which it did not produce a mutation for adaptation? The krill were less fit for the environment and did not reproduce as much?

In this ecosystem, what would happen if the acacia trees were overly successful at reproduction? What would happen if the termite experienced a population bottleneck? What would happen if palm like bushes migrated into the area and became an invasive species?

Your challenge: Project grade 15 points Make a food web with the data that you provided in class. (Your biome organism list.) Your food web must include at least 20 organisms. (Remember to include the producer trophic level from the “what it eats” column.) Names of organisms are adequate, no pictures are required. Must show all the possible routes for energy flow in your ecosystem. (don’t just follow one path, use the examples above to remind you of all the possible paths) Use arrows to indicate the direction of energy flow. Must include a “What would happen if” question and answer about your biome food web.