Question

1. the diagram to the right represents a food web. it is a more realistic visual of how organisms interact. write down things you notice about how this model is set up differently compared to the food chains in model 1&2.

1.
2.

1. based off the model, what 2 organisms can you infer compete with each other? explain your answer.

&
model 3

1. based off this graph, which type of organism holds the most energy? support your answer?
2. the diagram to the right is an energy pyramid which shows the relative amount of available energy for each organism. based on your observations, state an inference about what this diagram is illustrating in regards to the arrows.

Explanation:

1. A food - web shows multiple, interconnected food chains, indicating that organisms can have multiple food sources and predators. Food chains in models 1&2 are linear and show a single path of energy transfer, while the food - web is a complex network.
2. For example, if two organisms are shown to eat the same prey in the food - web, they compete. Say, if both a mouse and a rabbit eat grass, they compete for this food source.
3. Producers hold the most energy. In an energy pyramid, producers are at the base and have the largest amount of available energy as they capture energy directly from the sun through photosynthesis and form the foundation of the ecosystem's energy flow.
4. The arrows in the energy pyramid indicate the direction of energy transfer from one trophic level to the next. Energy moves from producers at the base up to primary consumers, then to secondary consumers, and so on, with a decrease in available energy at each successive level.

Answer:

1. A food - web is a complex network of interconnected food chains; food chains are linear.
2. Mouse & Rabbit (assuming they both eat grass in the food - web); they compete for the same food source.
3. Producers; they capture energy directly from the sun and form the base of the energy pyramid with the most available energy.
4. The arrows indicate the direction of energy transfer from one trophic level to the next, with energy decreasing at each level.