Keystone Species and Food Webs

Question 1

Define a keystone species

Answer 1

an organism that has a disproportionate impact on the structure, function and biodiversity of its ecosystem, relative to its quantity

Question 2

Define a food web

Answer 2

It describes the relationship between organisms in an ecosystem relating to food and energy flow

Question 3

What is Lindemann’s 10% rule?

Answer 3

only about 10% of energy is passed on from one trophic level to the next (aka, 90% of the energy is lost)

Question 4

Give an example of a food CHAIN (not a food web)

Answer 4

spinifex grass, hopping mouse, monitor lizard, black kite (this is just the example Uncle Tim gave - feel free to use your own)

Question 5

Spinifex grass, hopping mouse, monitor lizard and black kite

In this food CHAIN, identify the PRODUCER

Answer 5

Spinifex grass

Question 6

Spinifex grass, hopping mouse, monitor lizard and black kite

In this food chain, identify the APEX PREDATOR

Answer 6

Black kite (aka big bird that eats lizard 👍)

Question 7

Spinifex grass, hopping mouse, monitor lizard and black kite

In this food chain, identify the SECONDARY consumer

Answer 7

Monitor lizard

Question 8

Spinifex grass, hopping mouse, monitor lizard and black kite

In this food chain, identify the HETEROTROPH (aka herbivore)

Answer 8

Hopping mouse (primary consumer and herbivore)

Question 9

Spinifex grass, hopping mouse, monitor lizard and black kite

In this food chain, identify the CARNIVORE

Answer 9

haha trick question - both the monitor lizard and the black kite are carnivores