Question

a volcano has erupted. the ash cloud it has created has blocked out the sun. a patch of flowers grow on the side of the volcano. a deer survives by eating the flowers. using what you know about sources of energy, explain what would happen to the patch of flowers and the deer if the ash cloud does not clear.

Explanation:

1. For the flowers: Flowers are plants, and plants rely on photosynthesis to produce energy (in the form of glucose) and oxygen. Photosynthesis requires sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. If the ash cloud blocks the Sun, the flowers will not get enough sunlight to perform photosynthesis. Without photosynthesis, the flowers will not be able to produce the energy they need to grow, reproduce, or even stay alive. Over time, the flowers will start to wilt, and eventually, they will die because they cannot make their own food.
2. For the deer: Deer are herbivores, which means they eat plants (in this case, the flowers) to get the energy they need to survive. If the flowers die because of the lack of sunlight (due to the ash cloud blocking the Sun), the deer will lose their primary source of food. Without enough food (the flowers), the deer will not get the energy and nutrients they need. Over time, the deer will start to lose weight, become weak, and eventually, they may die of starvation or be more vulnerable to other threats like predators or diseases because they are not healthy enough to defend themselves.

Answer:

• Flowers: The flowers rely on photosynthesis, which needs sunlight. With the ash cloud blocking the Sun, they can't perform photosynthesis to make food/energy. They will wilt and eventually die.
• Deer: The deer eats the flowers for energy. If the flowers die, the deer loses its food source. It will become weak from lack of energy/nutrients and may die from starvation or increased vulnerability to other threats.