Integrated Science
Integrated Science
7th Edition
ISBN: 9780077862602
Author: Tillery, Bill W.
Publisher: Mcgraw-hill,
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 23, Problem 1CQ
To determine

The energy flow through an ecosystem.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1CQ

Energy flows through one trophic level to the next. At each level, approximately 90 percent of the energy is lost. The producers have the largest amount of energy, and as we move up in the food chain, the energy keeps decreasing.

Explanation of Solution

The ecosystem is arranged in different trophic levels depending on the type of food they eat. Producers form the first trophic level because they produce their own food. Primary consumers or herbivores consume these producers to obtain energy. They form the second trophic level. Carnivores form the next trophic level by eating these herbivores in order to obtain food and energy.

The energy flows from one trophic level to the other. About 90 percent of the available energy at a trophic level is lost when transferred to the other trophic level. The producers are the first trophic level. Therefore, they have the maximum energy and the organisms present at the top of the food chain receive the least amount of energy.

Hence, energy flows from producers to primary consumers and from primary consumers to carnivores with a 90 percent loss at each level.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
What are the environmental consequences of the increasing demand for energy? What steps would you suggest to reduce energy consumption?
What do you mean by degradation of energy? Explain it by taking one example of your daily life.
Need as soon as possible Explain the significance and application of community-based water conservation interventions and agricultural interventions.
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Physics
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
An Introduction to Physical Science
Physics
ISBN:9781305079137
Author:James Shipman, Jerry D. Wilson, Charles A. Higgins, Omar Torres
Publisher:Cengage Learning
A Level Physics – Ideal Gas Equation; Author: Atomi;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0EFrmah7h0;License: Standard YouTube License, CC-BY