13.6 Pyramid Models Pyramids model the distribution of energy and matter in an ecosystem. 1 st Trophic Level 2 nd Trophic Level 3 rd Trophic Level 4 th Trophic Level

13.6 Pyramid Models energy transferred (10%) Energy Lost (90%) An energy pyramid shows the distribution of energy among trophic levels. Only 10 % of energy is transferred to proceeding trophic levels. 90 % is lost to the atmosphere as heat Energy Lost (90%) Energy Lost (90%)

13.6 Pyramid Models A pyramid of numbers shows the numbers of individual organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem. tertiary consumers secondary consumers primary consumers producers ,000 5,000,000 producers A vast number of producers are required to support even a few top level consumers.