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Energy flow in an ecosystem can be illustrated with a food web. For every step up in an ecosystem -- producer to primary consumer, for example, only about 10% of the biomass is conserved (a 200 pound cow would likely consume 2000 pounds of grass) . This means that there is a significant amount of energy lost between each trophic level. This explains why there are beyond trillions and trillions of krill (small aquatic organisms) in the oceans, but only a few blue whales.

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What moves through organisms at each trophic level of an ecosystem?

nutrients


At what trophic level do producers belong in an ecosystem?

Producers belong to the first trophic level in an ecosystem.


Besides energy what moves through the organism at each trophic level of an ecosystem?

nutrients


The lowest trophic level of any ecosystem is occupied by the consumers?

This statement is incorrect. The lowest trophic level in an ecosystem is occupied by the primary producers, such as plants and algae, that create energy through photosynthesis. Consumers occupy higher trophic levels and feed on the organisms at lower trophic levels.


The lowest trophic level of any ecosystem is occupied by organisms such as?

The lowest trophic level of any ecosystem is occupied by primary producers, such as plants and algae. These organisms convert energy from the sun into organic compounds through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain for other organisms.


An organism's position in the sequence of energy transfers in an ecosystem is known as its what?

An organism's position in the sequence of energy transfers in an ecosystem is known as its trophic level. This indicates the organism's position in the food chain and its role in energy flow through the ecosystem.


What are organisms in the lowest trophic level of an ecosystem?

Organisms in the lowest trophic level of an ecosystem are typically primary producers, such as plants and algae. These organisms convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the basis of the food chain and providing energy for all other organisms in the ecosystem.


Why do biologists measure the number of trophic levels in ecosystem?

Biologists measure the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem to understand the flow of energy and nutrients through the food chain. It helps to identify the efficiency of energy transfer between different organisms and how changes in one trophic level can impact the entire ecosystem's stability and biodiversity. Tracking trophic levels also aids in predicting how disturbances or human activities may affect ecosystem dynamics.


What does a number pyramid tell you about an ecosystem?

A number pyramid in an ecosystem illustrates the relative abundance of different trophic levels within the food chain. It shows that the number of individuals decreases as you move up the pyramid due to energy loss from one trophic level to the next. This helps us understand the structure and dynamics of energy flow within the ecosystem.


What are the dynamics of any ecosystem?

two major process 1 = cycling of nutrient 2= chemical energy (food)


Which does the trophic structure of a community describe?

Trophic structure basically explains general feeding relationship between living things and the subsequent energy transfer. It's usually depicted in a pyramid form with several levels. Bottom level is the primary provider (producer), usually plants, and top level are usually occupied by predators. Energy is lost from transfer from one level to another (bottom to top).


What is energy that is lost at each trophic level of an ecosystem is replenished?

Energy that is lost at each trophic level of an ecosystem is replenished by the producers. The producers get it from the sun.