5.3. Pyramid of Energy

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is a producer in an ecosystem?

   Hint

   Think of plants and their ability to use sunlight.

2. 2.

   What type of shape does the Pyramid of Energy usually have?

   Hint

   How does energy move within an ecosystem?

3. 3.

   What shape does the Pyramid of Energy have?

   • Upright
   • Inverted
   • Flat

   Hint

   Think about where energy starts and where it ends.

4. 4.

   True or False: Energy can be fully transferred from one trophic level to another.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider why some animals may not survive if their food source is depleted.

5. 5.

   Design an experiment to measure the energy content at different trophic levels in a given ecosystem. What methods would you use?

   Hint

   Consider using both direct measurement and observational studies.

6. 6.

   Debate the implications of a disrupted energy pyramid caused by overfishing in an ecosystem. What could happen to the entire food web?

   Hint

   Think about the interconnectedness of various trophic levels in the ecosystem.