Energy Loss Between Levels

Question 1

A lake ecosystem is experiencing a new pollutant that kills a large portion of the algae, which are the primary producers. After the algae die off, the fish population (secondary consumers) declines sharply. Which statement best explains this change using the rule that only about 10% of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?

Accepted Answer

Because only about 10% of the energy from algae is transferred to the fish, the loss of many algae means there is not enough energy to support the same number of fish.

Answer

Because the fish can directly convert sunlight into energy, the reduction in algae does not affect their population.

Answer

Because most of the energy from algae is stored as heat, the remaining algae can still provide enough energy for the fish, so the fish decline must be due to other factors.

Answer

Because energy flows upward without loss, the fish can obtain the same amount of energy from fewer algae.

Question 2

Which statement best describes the interdependence of organisms in a meadow ecosystem?

Accepted Answer

Bees pollinate wildflowers, which produce seeds that feed herbivorous insects; those insects are then eaten by birds.

Answer

Birds eat seeds from wildflowers, and the seeds are the only food the birds need.

Answer

Bees pollinate wildflowers, but only the flowers benefit because animals do not rely on them.

Answer

Herbivorous insects eat wildflowers, but the insects do not affect any other organisms.

Question 3

If honeybees were removed from a garden, which statement best describes how the plants would be affected?

Accepted Answer

Honeybees pollinate many flowering plants, so without them fewer fruits and seeds will form.

Answer

Honeybees dig tunnels in the soil, which helps plant roots, so without them roots will be weaker.

Answer

Honeybees eat the leaves of plants, so without them the plants will grow more.

Answer

Honeybees produce oxygen, so without them there will be less oxygen for plants.

Try three questions

Which statement best describes the interdependence of organisms in a meadow ecosystem?

If honeybees were removed from a garden, which statement best describes how the plants would be affected?

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