Mr. Ward-Guthrie 11/26/13 8 th Grade Science CHAPARRAL

Chaparral – What is it? Shrubland found in southern California and northern Baja California - Mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers - Important characteristic – serious wildfires!

The Food Web - Where does everything get its food? The Sun Plants Herbivores Carnivores & Omnivores

The Sun – The source of energy for life Hydrogen is fused into helium in a nuclear reaction to produce energy

Producers of the Chaparral Manzanita Toyon Scrub Oak Chamise Producers (green plants) produce their energy from the sun via photosynthesis. Their fruit, seeds, and leaves are eaten by the primary consumers. Producers (green plants) produce their energy from the sun via photosynthesis. Their fruit, seeds, and leaves are eaten by the primary consumers.

Primary Consumers of the Chaparral Pinyon Mouse Primary consumers eat the producers. They, in turn, are eaten by the secondary and tertiary consumers. Primary consumers eat the producers. They, in turn, are eaten by the secondary and tertiary consumers. Mule Deer Pinacate Beetle Ground Squirrel

Secondary Consumers of the Chaparral Greater Roadrunner Whiptail Lizard Rattlesnakes Secondary consumers are typically omnivores, both eating plants and animals. They, in turn, are eaten by the tertiary consumers, the predators. Secondary consumers are typically omnivores, both eating plants and animals. They, in turn, are eaten by the tertiary consumers, the predators. Big-eared Bat

Tertiary Consumers of the Chaparral Tertiary consumers, also known as apex predators, are ‘top’ of the food web. Carnivorous, they eat any level of consumer in the food web. Tertiary consumers, also known as apex predators, are ‘top’ of the food web. Carnivorous, they eat any level of consumer in the food web. Bobcat Coyotes Golden Eagles

Energy – Where does it go? In the food web, solar energy is passed along from the producers to the consumers. Along the way, most of that original energy is lost, either as material that is not eaten (bone, stem, roots, etc.) or expended as the animal moves, breathes, reproduces or performs any of the functions required for life. The circle of life is a not really a ‘circle’, but a complicated web of interactions. In the food web, solar energy is passed along from the producers to the consumers. Along the way, most of that original energy is lost, either as material that is not eaten (bone, stem, roots, etc.) or expended as the animal moves, breathes, reproduces or performs any of the functions required for life. The circle of life is a not really a ‘circle’, but a complicated web of interactions.

The End