1. Describing the Flow of Energy

2. Consider This Problem: You are all stranded on a deserted island You are all stranded on a deserted island Your resources are limited to: Your resources are limited to: –20 lb. of corn –1 female milking goat that is giving milk

3. Here are your choices: Eat the goat and then the corn Eat the goat and then the corn Eat the corn and then the goat Eat the corn and then the goat Feed the corn to the goat, then eat 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 eat the goat Share the corn with the goat, then drink the milk 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 Plant the corn, grow forage/corn to produce more food for you and the goat

4. What is the flow of energy in a food chain? Ecosystems Ecosystems Amount of ENERGY available is most important factor Amount of ENERGY available is most important factor An ecosystem is dependent on: An ecosystem is dependent on: –Producers –Consumers –Decomposers To supply and generate energy

5. Producers Life exists because organisms called producers take in energy from the sun and produce food (energy) for other organisms (consumers) to live. 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: Name some examples: Photosynthesis is the process used Photosynthesis is the process used

6. Consumers Are unable to produce their own food, therefore they depend on other organisms for food (energy) Are unable to produce their own food, therefore they depend on other organisms for food (energy) Name some examples: Name some examples:

7. Decomposers Break down waste products and organisms that have died in the food chain into chemical substances that are released into the environment 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) The chemical substances are utilized in soil, air, and water to generate new forms of food (energy)

8. Food Chain Definition: Definition: –The sequence by which living organisms pass along food (energy) in a community

9. The further along the food chain you go, the less food (and hence energy) remains available.

10. What is a food web? A food web is the combination of all the possible food chains in a community 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 Draw a food web using plants and animals that you are familiar with Utilize at least 5 each of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and producers Utilize at least 5 each of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores, and producers