1. How does Energy Flow through a Beach Ecosystem?

2. Autotrophs Heterotrophs
Organisms that can make their own food using the sun’s energy (photosynthesis)
Heterotrophs
Organisms that rely on external energy sources (eat plants/animals)

3. Food Chains

5. Producers (autotrophs)
Organisms that make their own food using the sun’s energy
(Photosynthesis)

6. Algae Seagrass Phytoplankton
Examples: (Plants)
Algae
Seagrass
Phytoplankton

7. Primary Consumers
The 1st level of heterotrophs that get their energy by eating producers

8. Examples: (Herbivores)
Blue Tang
Green Sea Turtle
Manatee
Sea Urchin

9. Secondary Consumers
The 2nd level of heterotrophs that get their energy by eating primary consumers

10. Examples: (Carnivores)
Butterfly fish
Dolphins
Most larger fish
Most Sea turtles

11. Top Predator (tertiary consumer)
Organisms that get their energy by eating other consumers

12. Some sharks Some whales Humans
Examples:
Some sharks
Some whales
Humans

13. Other Consumers Scavengers Decomposers
eat what is left of producers and consumers (ex. crabs & snails)
Decomposers
- break down dead plants and animals, as well as waste (ex. bacteria)

14. Top
Predator
Secondary
Consumer
Primary Consumer R
Producer

15. The trophic pyramid has an ecological efficiency of 10% - only 10% of the energy from one level transfers to the next (90% is lost to entropy – heat!)

16. Food Web
Shows that organisms often have different choices of prey; represents the flow of energy through consumption
in nature.

17. Removing Cats to Protect Birds Backfires on Island
Article
Removing Cats to Protect Birds Backfires on Island