Food chains and energy Flashcards
What is a trophic level?
A feeding level
What is biomass?
The living mass of an organism
What does a pyramid of biomass show?
A food chain, showing the proportionate living mass of each level
What is the source of energy for nearly all life?
The sun
What do plants and algae use the sun for?
They use its energy for photosynthesis to make food for themsleves
Why is energy lost along a food chain?
Because creatures use it for respiration and movement and it is lost through excretion or inedible parts like bones and hair
How are elements cycled back to the start of the food chain?
By microorganisms which decay the matter and put it back into the soil
Where do decaying microorganisms do their job best?
In warm, moist conditions
How can a compost heap be improved?
By shredding waste and letting air in to supply oxygen and let a bit of heat out so it doesn’t catch fire
What does the carbon cycle look like?
——————————–Carbon Dioxide
