Biomass
What is biomass in an ecosystem?
Biomass is the total mass of living organisms in each trophic level at a given time.
Where does most energy go between levels?
It is lost as heat when animals move and live.
How many feeding levels are usually in an ecosystem?
Around 4 to 5 levels.
Why does biomass decrease going up trophic levels?
Because animals use up energy for living, so less mass is available for the next level.
Why is energy transfer not very efficient?
Because 90% of energy is lost between each level
What is at the first level?
Producers/Plants
Which trophic level has the most biomass?
Producers/Plants
How do plants get their energy?
From the sun through photosynthesis
Why aren't there more levels?
Not enough energy to support more levels.
What is the 10% rule?
Only 10% of biomass passes from one level to the next level up.
What happens to energy when animals use it?
Most of it turns into heat and is lost.
What's the difference between primary and secondary consumers?
Primary consumers eat plants, secondary consumers eat other animals.
How do we measure biomass?
By weighing all living things in a certain area.
Can energy be reused in an ecosystem?
No, once energy is lost as heat, it cannot be reused.
What do decomposers do?
They break down dead plants and animals into nutrients.