• This PowerPoint is just one part of my Feeding
Levels Unit.
• A two part 1200 Slide PowerPoint Presentation.
• A bundled homework package, modified version,
unit notes, PowerPoint Review Game, video
links, rubrics, and much more that
chronologically follow the unit slideshow.
• http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Ecology_Feeding_
Levels_Unit.htm
Areas of Focus within The Feeding Levels Unit:
What is Ecology, Concepts in Ecology, Concept-There is no such thing
as a free lunch, Energy Comes From the Sun, Food Chains, Trophic
Feeding Levels, Producers, Consumers, Decomposers, Aquatic Food
Chains, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, Bioaccumulation,
Biomagnification, Animal Dentition and Skull Features, Carnivores,
Herbivores, Pyramid of Biomass, Pyramid of Numbers.
The full unit can be found at…
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Ecology_Feeding_Levels_Unit.htm
• RED SLIDE: These are notes that are very
important and should be recorded in your
science journal.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Please use this red line
Please use this red line
-Please make notes legible and use indentations
when appropriate.
Please use this red line
-Please make notes legible and use indentations
when appropriate.
-Please make notes legible and use indentations
when appropriate.
-Example of indent.
-Please make notes legible and use indentations
when appropriate.
-Example of indent.
-Skip a line between topics
-Please make notes legible and use indentations
when appropriate.
-Example of indent.
-Skip a line between topics
-Don’t skip pages
-Please make notes legible and use indentations
when appropriate.
-Example of indent.
-Skip a line between topics
-Don’t skip pages
-Make visuals clear and well drawn.
-Please make notes legible and use indentations
when appropriate.
-Example of indent.
-Skip a line between topics
-Don’t skip pages
-Make visuals clear and well drawn.
3rd Order Consumers
2nd Order Consumer
Consumer
Producer
Decrease
in energy
as you go
up a
trophic
level
• RED SLIDE: These are notes that are very
important and should be recorded in your
science journal.
• BLACK SLIDE: Pay attention, follow
directions, complete projects as described
and answer required questions neatly.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Keep an eye out for “The-Owl” and raise
your hand as soon as you see him.
– He will be hiding somewhere in the slideshow
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Keep an eye out for “The-Owl” and raise
your hand as soon as you see him.
– He will be hiding somewhere in the slideshow
“Hoot, Hoot”
“Good Luck!”
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! (Optional) Making your bio-dome /
Terrarium for periodic observations.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Making your bio-dome / Terrarium
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
1st Thin layer of pebbles.
2nd Thin layer of sand on top of that.
3rd Thin layer of soil (brown)
4th Thicker layer of dark organic soil.
5th Add small pieces of various moss
6th Add a piece of lichen
7th Add some small plants
8th Add some small sticks with a mushroom on it.
9th Add a few organisms
• Just a few, no vertebrates allowed, do not over populate.
• Don’t forget to lightly water it before closing the lid.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Leave plenty of room for plants to grow!
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Don’t over water your bio-dome!
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Don’t over water your bio-dome!
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Don’t knock it over!
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Give your bio-dome plenty of light (energy
source) and monitor the moisture content.
– Light can be the sun or artificial.
• Give your bio-dome plenty of light (energy
source) and monitor the moisture content.
– Light can be the sun or artificial.
Some information on making a terrarium…
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Terrarium
Ecology: Feeding Levels Unit
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Ecology: Feeding Levels Unit
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• What is Ecology?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• What is Ecology?
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
– D.) A new item on the McDonalds value menu?
• What is Ecology? and the answer is…
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
– D.) A new item on the McDonalds value menu?
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
– D.) A new item on the McDonalds value menu?
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
– D.) A new item on the McDonalds value menu?
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
– D.) A new item on the McDonalds value menu?
What words above need further
explanation?
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
– D.) A new item on the McDonalds value menu?
What words above need further
explanation?
• What is Ecology?
– A) A very hungry caterpillar.
– B) A type of gardening tool.
– C) A branch of science that studies organisms
and the environment.
– D.) A new item on the McDonalds value menu?
Organisms: Any living thing (individual /
one)

Ecology: A study of the relationship between
living things and the environment.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Ecology: A study of the relationship between
living things and the environment.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Ecology: A study of the relationship between
living things and the environment.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Ecology: A study of the relationship between
living things and the environment.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Ecology: A study of the relationship between
living things and the environment.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Ecology: A study of the relationship between
living things and the environment.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Ecology: A study of the relationship between
living things and the environment.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• What’s the point in studying ecology?
– How is this relevant to my life?
• Answer- Because you a part of the
ecosystem. This world has some serious
ecological problems and understanding the
relationship between living things and the
environment is the key to better
management.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer- Because you a part of the
ecosystem. This world has some serious
ecological problems and understanding the
relationship between living things and the
environment is the key to better
management.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer- Because you a part of the
ecosystem. This world has some serious
ecological problems and understanding the
relationship between living things and the
environment is the key to better
management.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• The
Concepts in Ecology
– Please pay attention to the next slide as you will
need to learn and demonstrate an understanding
of these big concepts.
– Everything Is Changing.
– There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web will effect other parts of the web and the stability of
the entire ecosystem.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web will effect other parts of the web and the stability of
the entire ecosystem.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web will effect other parts of the web and the stability of
the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web will effect other parts of the web and the stability of
the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web will effect other parts of the web and the stability of
the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web have will effect other parts of the web and the
stability of the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web have will effect other parts of the web and the
stability of the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web have will effect other parts of the web and the
stability of the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web have will effect other parts of the web and the
stability of the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web have will effect other parts of the web and the
stability of the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Organisms need energy to survive. Energy from the sun flows into and
out systems. This energy drives our world and the organisms in it.
Energy is lost “not destroyed” when it changes form. Flows Hot to Cold
Ecological systems are organized within each other. The effects on one
system will effect them all. All systems are interconnected.
All organisms are in a constant state of change over time with the
environment. Some organisms will change with another and will
develop special interactions. Others with the nonliving world.
Matter and energy cycle through the living and nonliving world.
Organisms rely on this matter and energy cycling to survive.
Animals are interconnected in a complex web of life. Changes on one
part of the web have will effect other parts of the web and the
stability of the entire ecosystem.
Ecosystems have a way to balance changes so that up and
down fluctuations are part of the natural balance of the whole.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch in
Ecology.
-
-
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

There’s No Such Thing As A Free Lunch in
Ecology. (FLOW )
-
-
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Laws of Thermodynamics
 Relates
to heat and energy.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Laws of Thermodynamics
 Relates
to heat and energy.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Laws of Thermodynamics
 Relates
to heat and energy.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Heat always flows from hot to cold.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it
can be transferred between systems and
surroundings.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Energy goes from useful to non-useful.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Energy goes from useful to non-useful.
Learn more about heat flow and thermodynamics at…
http://www.physics4kids.com/files/thermo_intro.html
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• If a Snickers Candy Bar goes into your
body… Does a Snicker’s Bar come out?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• If a Snickers Candy Bar goes into your
body… Does a Snicker’s Bar come out?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer! What comes out may look like a
Snickers, but it is much different.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer! The waste product is not as
energy rich because the high energy sugar
fueled your body for many hours.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer! The waste product is not as
energy rich because the high energy sugar
fueled your body for many hours.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer! The waste product is not as
energy rich because the high energy sugar
fueled your body for many hours.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer! The waste product is not as
energy rich because the high energy sugar
fueled your body for many hours.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Answer! The waste product is not as
energy rich because the high energy sugar
fueled your body for many hours.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Less energy is
available to the
group after it.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Metabolic Rent
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Metabolic Rent
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Metabolic Rent
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Heat
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Less
Energy
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Heat
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Heat
Less
Energy
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Heat
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Less Energy
Heat
Less
Energy
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Heat
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Heat
Loss
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Less Energy
Heat
Less
Energy
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Heat
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Heat
Loss
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Less Energy
Heat
Less
Energy
Metabolic Rent
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Heat
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Food Chain: A group of organisms where
each member is eaten by another
member.
Heat
Loss
12.2 Trillion watt per
square miles per year
Less Energy
Heat
Less
Energy
Learn
more and class activity sheets at…
Metabolic Rent
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/foodchain/
Heat
Even Less Energy
Less Energy
for next
feeding group
Less Energy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Video for fun! Clay Animation of the Food Chain.
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzSvEw4W16U&
feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL55B8C4
31684B93BC
Food Chains.flv
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Trophic Feeding Levels.
Try the food chain game at…
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/g
ames/foodchaingame.htm
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Step by step drawing of a food
chain.
• Activity! Step by step drawing of a food
chain.
– One full page required.
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
• Let’s now look at the flow of energy.
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Nutrients get
returned to the soil. Decomposers
Energy
break down
comes from
waste
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Consumers Eat
Producers
Plants use nutrients to
regrow.
Consumers can obtain
nutrients from this new
growth.
X X
X X
X X
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Radiant
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Photosynthesis
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Chemical Energy
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Chemical Decomposers
energy
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Which two are switched?
Decomposers make
the energy from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
The Sun
breaks down
the waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
C
Answer!
Decomposers make
the energy from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
The Sun
breaks down
the waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
C
Answer!
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
Answer!
Energy
comes from
the Sun
Producers
make their
own food
from sun
Decomposers
break down
waste
Consumers Eat
Producers
• Photosynthesis: The process a plant uses to
combine sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide
to produce oxygen and sugar (energy).
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Guess the type of animal under each box?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Guess the type of animal under each box?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Guess the type of animal under each box?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Guess the type of animal under each box?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Guess the type of animal under each box?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Guess the type of animal under each box?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Guess the type of animal under each box?
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Consumers: Feed on plants or other
animals
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Carnivore: An animal that only eats other
animals.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Carnivore: An animal that only eats other
animals.
Carnivores. Learn more at…
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep10a.htm
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
“I am a consumer
because I eat
other animals.”
• Life in nature is a struggle for existence
and can be brutal and cruel.
• Life in nature is a struggle for existence
and can be brutal and cruel.
• Life in nature is a struggle for existence
and can be brutal and cruel.
• Energy is transferred from one species to
the next.
• Life in nature is a struggle for existence
and can be brutal and cruel.
• Energy is transferred from one species to
the next.
• Life in nature is a struggle for existence
and can be brutal and cruel.
• Energy is transferred from one species to
the next.
• Life in nature is a struggle for existence
and can be brutal and cruel.
• Energy is transferred from one species to
the next.
 Herbivore:
General name for an
animal that only eats plants.
 Herbivore:
General name for an
animal that only eats plants.
Herbivores. Learn more at…
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep9a.htm
• Pronghorn antelope, North America’s
fastest land mammal.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Pronghorn antelope, North America’s
fastest land mammal.
– 96 km an hour / (60mph)
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• The Pronghorn Antelopes main predator was
a North American Cheetah.
– This cheetah has become extinct.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• The Pronghorn Antelopes main predator was
a North American Cheetah.
– This cheetah has become extinct.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 1st order consumer (plants only)
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 2nd Order Consumer
– Eats an animal that eats plants.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 3rd order consumer
– Ate an animal that ate an animal that ate
plants.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 4th Order Consumer:
– Ate an animal, that ate an animal, that ate an
animal that ate plants.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 5th Order consumer:
– Ate an animal, that ate an animal, that ate an
animal, that ate an animal that ate plants.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 5th Order consumer:
“Hoot” “Hoot” “Owls
– Ate an animal, that ate an animal, that ate an
are second order
animal, that ate an animal that ate plants.
consumers.”
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 5th Order consumer:
“Hoot” “Hoot” “Owls
– Ate an animal, that ate an animal, that ate an
are second order
animal, that ate an animal that ate plants.
consumers.”
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Activity! Food Chain Cup
Stacking.
– Each student gets six Styrofoam
cups.
– Label the top / side of the cup
with a name and draw a sketch.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First cup Sun
Second cup Plant
Third cup consumer
Fourth cup second order consumer
Fifth cup third order consumer
Sixth cup fourth order consumer or
decomposer.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Note how each feeding level has less
available energy.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Lots of available energy.
Producers (Plants)
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Only a few herbivores. Less Energy!
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Producers (Plants)
Consumers
Energy comes from sun.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 2nd Order Consumers have even less.
Producers (Plants)
Consumers
Energy comes from sun.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Consumers
2nd Order Consumers
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 3rd Order Consumers are even less.
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Consumers
2nd Order Consumers
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Consumers
2nd Order Consumers
3rd Order Consumers
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• 4th Even Less.
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Consumers
2nd Order Consumers
3rd Order Consumers
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Consumers
2nd Order Consumers
3rd Order Consumers
4th Order Consumers
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Very Little available Energy
Producers (Plants)
Energy comes from sun.
Consumers
2nd Order Consumers
3rd Order Consumers
4th Order Consumers
5th Order Consumers
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Omnivore: An organism that eats both
plants and animals.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy

Omnivore: An organism that eats both
plants and animals.
Omnivores. Learn more at…
http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/nwep10b.htm
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Wasps are omnivores.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Pillbugs are omnivores.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Ravens and crows are omnivores.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Pigs are omnivores.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• Bears are omnivores.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• The following concepts are all addressed
in the next activity.
• Activity! Stand up and make the correct
letter if the animal is a…
• Activity! Stand up and make the correct
letter if the animal is a… Herbivore (eats
plants),
• Activity! Stand up and make the correct
letter if the animal is a… Herbivore (eats
plants), Carnivore (eats other animals),
• Activity! Stand up and make the correct
letter if the animal is a… Herbivore (eats
plants), Carnivore (eats other animals), or
Omnivore (eats both plants and animals)
• Activity! Stand up and make the correct
letter if the animal is a… Herbivore (eats
plants), Carnivore (eats other animals), or
Omnivore (eats both plants and animals)
– Take your best guess.
• Activity! Stand up and make the correct
letter if the animal is a… Herbivore (eats
plants), Carnivore (eats other animals), or
Omnivore (eats both plants and animals)
– Take your best guess. (No worries if wrong)
• This PowerPoint is just one part of my Feeding
Levels Unit.
• A two part 1200 Slide PowerPoint Presentation.
• A bundled homework package, modified version,
unit notes, PowerPoint Review Game, video
links, rubrics, and much more that
chronologically follow the unit slideshow.
• http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Ecology_Feeding_
Levels_Unit.htm
• “AYE” Advance Your Exploration ELA and
Literacy Opportunity Worksheet
– Visit some of the many provided links or..
– Articles can be found at (w/ membership to
NABT and NSTA)
• http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=
1
• http://learningcenter.nsta.org/browse_journals.aspx?j
Please visit at least one of the
ournal=tst
“learn more”
educational links
provided in this unit and
complete this worksheet
• “AYE” Advance Your Exploration ELA and
Literacy Opportunity Worksheet
– Visit some of the many provided links or..
– Articles can be found at (w/ membership to NABT
and NSTA)
• http://www.nabt.org/websites/institution/index.php?p=1
• http://learningcenter.nsta.org/browse_journals.aspx?jo
urnal=tst
Areas of Focus within The Feeding Levels Unit:
What is Ecology, Concepts in Ecology, Concept-There is no such thing
as a free lunch, Energy Comes From the Sun, Food Chains, Trophic
Feeding Levels, Producers, Consumers, Decomposers, Aquatic Food
Chains, Phytoplankton, Zooplankton, Bioaccumulation,
Biomagnification, Animal Dentition and Skull Features, Carnivores,
Herbivores, Pyramid of Biomass, Pyramid of Numbers.
The full unit can be found at…
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Ecology_Feeding_Levels_Unit.htm
• Please visit the links below to learn more
about each of the units in this curriculum
– These units take me about four years to complete
with my students in grades 5-10.
Earth Science Units
Extended Tour Link and Curriculum Guide
Geology Topics Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Geology_Unit.html
Astronomy Topics Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Astronomy_Unit.html
Weather and Climate Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Weather_Climate_Unit.html
Soil Science, Weathering, More
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Soil_and_Glaciers_Unit.html
Water Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Water_Molecule_Unit.html
Rivers Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/River_and_Water_Quality_Unit.html
= Easier
5th – 7th grade
= More Difficult
6th – 8th grade
= Most Difficult
8th – 10th grade
Physical Science Units
Extended Tour Link and Curriculum Guide
Science Skills Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Science_Introduction_Lab_Safety_Metric_Methods.
html
Motion and Machines Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Newtons_Laws_Motion_Machines_Unit.html
Matter, Energy, Envs. Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Energy_Topics_Unit.html
Atoms and Periodic Table Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Atoms_Periodic_Table_of_Elements_Unit.html
Life Science Units
Extended Tour Link and Curriculum Guide
Human Body / Health Topics
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Human_Body_Systems_and_Health_Topics_Unit.html
DNA and Genetics Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/DNA_Genetics_Unit.html
Cell Biology Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Cellular_Biology_Unit.html
Infectious Diseases Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Infectious_Diseases_Unit.html
Taxonomy and Classification Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Taxonomy_Classification_Unit.html
Evolution / Natural Selection Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Evolution_Natural_Selection_Unit.html
Botany Topics Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Plant_Botany_Unit.html
Ecology Feeding Levels Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Ecology_Feeding_Levels_Unit.htm
Ecology Interactions Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Ecology_Interactions_Unit.html
Ecology Abiotic Factors Unit
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/Ecology_Abiotic_Factors_Unit.html
• Thank you for your time and interest in this
curriculum tour. Please visit the welcome / guide on
how a unit works and link to the many unit previews
to see the PowerPoint slideshows, bundled
homework, review games, unit notes, and much
more. Thank you for your interest and please feel
free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Best wishes.
• Sincerely,
• Ryan Murphy M.Ed
• ryemurf@gmail.com
• The entire four year curriculum can be found at...
http://sciencepowerpoint.com/ Please feel free to
contact me with any questions you may have.
Thank you for your interest in this curriculum.
Sincerely,
Ryan Murphy M.Ed
www.sciencepowerpoint@gmail.com