Describing the Flow of Energy
Consider This Problem:
• You are all stranded on a deserted island
• Your resources are limited to:
– 20 lb. of corn
– 1 female milking goat that is giving milk
Here are your choices:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Eat the goat and then the corn
Eat the corn and then the goat
Feed the corn to the goat, then eat the goat
Share the corn with the goat, then eat the goat
Share the corn with the goat, then drink the milk
Plant the corn, grow forage/corn to produce
more food for you and the goat
What is the flow of energy in a
food chain?
• Ecosystems
• Amount of ENERGY available is most
important factor
• An ecosystem is dependent on:
– Producers
– Consumers
– Decomposers
To supply and generate energy
Producers
• Life exists because organisms called
producers take in energy from the sun and
produce food (energy) for other organisms
(consumers) to live.
• Name some examples:
• Photosynthesis is the process used
Consumers
• Are unable to produce their own food,
therefore they depend on other organisms
for food (energy)
• Name some examples:
Decomposers
• Break down waste products and
organisms that have died in the food chain
into chemical substances that are released
into the environment
• The chemical substances are utilized in
soil, air, and water to generate new forms
of food (energy)
Food Chain
• Definition:
– The sequence by which living organisms pass
along food (energy) in a community
The further along the food chain you go, the
less food (and hence energy) remains
available.
What is a food web?
• A food web is the combination of all the
possible food chains in a community
• Draw a food web using plants and animals
that you are familiar with
• Utilize at least 5 each of herbivores,
carnivores, omnivores, and producers