Multiple Choice
The movements of energy and nutrients through living systems are different because:
128
views
52. Ecosystems
Energy Flow Through Ecosystems
Struggling with General Biology?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
Why are producers (autotrophs) so important to an ecosystem’s energy flow?
A
They recycle energy back into the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic matter into heat.
B
They obtain energy by feeding on other organisms and transfer it to higher trophic levels.
C
They convert energy from sunlight or inorganic chemicals into chemical energy stored in organic molecules, forming the base of most food webs.
D
They create energy within the ecosystem, increasing the total energy available at all trophic levels.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the role of producers (autotrophs) in an ecosystem: they are organisms that can produce their own food using energy from sunlight (photosynthesis) or inorganic chemicals (chemosynthesis).
Recognize that producers convert this energy into chemical energy stored in organic molecules, such as glucose, which serves as the primary energy source for other organisms in the ecosystem.
Identify that this conversion forms the base of most food webs, meaning all other organisms (consumers) depend directly or indirectly on producers for energy.
Note that producers do not create energy but transform energy from one form (sunlight or chemicals) into a usable form for living organisms, following the law of conservation of energy.
Conclude that producers are essential for energy flow because they initiate the transfer of energy through the ecosystem, supporting all higher trophic levels.
5:28mWatch next
Master Gross Productive Energy vs. Assimilated Energy with a bite sized video explanation from Jason
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Energy Flow Through Ecosystems practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations