mystery 1
What is a food chain, and what does it show?
A food chain shows how energy moves from one living thing to another.
In the food chain grass → grasshopper → frog, what is the grasshopper’s role?
Primary consumer.
Why are decomposers important even though they aren’t shown in simple food chains?
They break down dead things and return nutrients to the soil.
In a forest, berries → mouse → snake → owl. Who is the secondary consumer?
berries
how does an animal’s habitat help it survive?
it gives the animal food, water, and shelter.
What is a producer, and why is it important in a food chain?
A producer makes its own food and is the first step in the food chain.
What is the apex predator, and where is it found in a food chain?
The top predator; the last animal in the chain that isn’t eaten.
If a rabbit eats grass, what is the rabbit’s role?
It is a primary consumer.
What can happen if a habitat is destroyed?
Animals may lose food and shelter, and populations can drop.
What is the main reason animals need energy?
To grow, move, and stay alive.
Name one example of a producer.
Grass, algae, or any green plant.
What are trophic levels?
The steps or positions in a food chain.
Why do food chains usually have only 3–5 steps?
Because energy decreases as it moves through each level.
What happens to energy each time it moves up a trophic level?
some energy is lost
What might happen if there are too many herbivores?
Plants may get eaten faster than they can grow.
What is a consumer?
An organism that eats other living things.
What is a food web, and how is it different from a food chain?
A food web shows many connected food chains, not just one path.
Which level gets the LEAST energy in a food chain?
Apex predators or top consumers.
How do plants get their energy?
From sunlight through photosynthesis.
What do plants provide for animals besides energy?
oxygen and sometimes h2o
What does a primary consumer eat?
Plants or producers.
What would happen if all predators disappeared from an ecosystem?
Prey animals might increase too much.
Which level gets the MOST energy in a food chain?
Producers.
What does the word “habitat” mean?
The place where an organism lives.
Why do ecosystems with more plants usually have more animals?
Plants provide more food, supporting more animals.