Energy Flow Unit: Ecology K. Stacker SB4: Assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems. Element b: Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems by Arranging components of a food chain according to energy flow Comparing the quantity of energy in the steps of an energy pyramid Explaining the need for cycling of major nutrients (C,O,H,N,P) Essential Question (s): Where does the flow of energy go? In other words, what eats what? What represents the direction of energy flow in a food web?

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Where in an ecosystem does energy come from? Example of Energy Flow In an Ecosystem SUN ↓ GRASS MICE HAWK Sunlight is the main source of energy for living things. Energy flows through an ecosystem from the Sun to Organisms within the ecosystem. What are two main types of feeders within an ecosystems? Autotrophs (a.k.a. producers) use the sun’s energy to make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Heterotrophs (a.k.a. consumers) must eat other living things to get their energy. What are the classes of Heterotrophs? Classes of Heterotrophs What is Eaten Example Herbivores Eat plants deer Carnivores Eat other animals lions Omnivores Eat plants and animals Humans Decomposers (detritivores) Break down dead organisms fungi/bacteria

What is the path of energy? A food chain is a simple path of energy from producer to consumer. Each level (feeding step) is called a trophic level [troph-to feed] The energy (ecological) pyramid can be used to illustrate the loss of usable energy as heat at each trophic level. Only about 10% is passed on from one level to the next. A food web shows many interconnected food chains and illustrates all the possible feeding relationships.

Food Web Manipulative Separate the organisms (plants & animals) from the arrows and the sun. Create a food web using the arrows to show the flow of energy. Use the sun, all organisms, and as many arrows as you need Draw your food web (use words and arrows only)

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