1. Energy Flow Unit: Ecology K. Stacker
SB4: Assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems.
Element b: Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems by
Arranging components of a food chain according to energy flow
Comparing the quantity of energy in the steps of an energy pyramid
Explaining the need for cycling of major nutrients (C,O,H,N,P)
Essential Question (s):
Where does the flow of energy go? In other words, what eats what?
What represents the direction of energy flow in a food web?

2. What to Do!
When ever you see this symbol Be prepared to write. Copy Every Question & Answer

3. Where in an ecosystem does energy come from?
Example of
Energy Flow
In an
Ecosystem
SUN ↓
GRASS
MICE
HAWK
Sunlight is the main source of energy for living things.
Energy flows through an ecosystem from the Sun to Organisms within the ecosystem.
What are two main types of feeders within an ecosystems?
Autotrophs (a.k.a. producers) use the sun’s energy to make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.
Heterotrophs (a.k.a. consumers) must eat other living things to get their energy.
What are the classes of Heterotrophs?
Classes of Heterotrophs
What is Eaten
Example
Herbivores
Eat plants
deer
Carnivores
Eat other animals
lions
Omnivores
Eat plants and animals
Humans
Decomposers
(detritivores)
Break down dead organisms
fungi/bacteria

4. What is the path of energy?
A food chain is a simple path of energy from producer to consumer.
Each level (feeding step) is called a trophic level [troph-to feed]
The energy (ecological) pyramid can be used to illustrate the loss of usable energy as heat at each trophic level. Only about 10% is passed on from one level to the next.
A food web shows many interconnected food chains and illustrates all the possible feeding relationships.

5. Food Web Manipulative
Separate the organisms (plants & animals) from the arrows and the sun.
Create a food web using the arrows to show the flow of energy.
Use the sun, all organisms, and as many arrows as you need
Draw your food web (use words and arrows only)

6. STOP