Chapter 3.2 – Energy Flow
Essential question – Where do organisms get the energy they need for survival and how does it flow in the
biosphere?
Answer the following questions as completely and accurately as possible. Write the page number where you
find your answer in the appropriate space.
1. The main energy source for life on earth is the ____________. (pg ____)
2. Other than the sun, what is the other source of energy in some ecosystems? (pg _____)
3. Explain how autotrophs produce food for survival. (pg _____)
4. Autotrophs are also known as ______________________, (pg _____)
5. Explain how the process of photosynthesis is beneficial to an autotroph. (pg _____).
6. Photosynthesis is also responsible for exchanges in the atmosphere….what are they? (pg ______)
7. How does chemosynthesis compare with photosynthesis? (pg _____)
8. Explain how some autotrophs use chemosynthesis? (pg _____)
9. If an organism is not a producer, it is a consumer. How do these organisms obtain the energy they need
for survival? (pg ______).
10. What is the difference between a heterotroph and an autotroph? (pg _______)
11. Fill the following chart concerning heterotrophs. (pg _______)
Type of heterotroph
Example
Energy source
12. Describe the pathway of energy flow in an ecosystem. (pg _______)
13. Describe what a food chain demonstrates. (pg _______)
14. Contrast a food chain and a food web. ( pg ______)
15. What does trophic mean? Producers are in ___________ trophic level. (pg ______)
16. There are three types of ecological pyramids. Describe each and tell how they differ. (pg ____)
a.
b.
c.
17. How much energy is transferred to organisms at the next trophic level? (pg ______)
18. Explain the relationships in this food chain: omnivore, herbivore, and autotroph. (pg ______)
19.