Question

1. what does the base of an ecological pyramid usually represent? a. highest trophic level b. lowest energy level c. highest energy amount d. smallest population size 8. what organisms play a vital role in breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil? a. secondary consumers b. decomposers c. tertiary consumers d. primary producers 9. which of the following best describes the energy pyramid? a. it represents the diversity of species in an ecosystem b. it demonstrates the decrease in available energy as it moves up trophic levels c. it illustrates the water cycle d. it shows the increase in energy as you move up trophic levels

Explanation:

• For question 7: In an ecological pyramid, the base represents the primary producers which have the highest energy amount as they capture energy from the sun through photosynthesis.
• For question 8: Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter and return nutrients to the soil.
• For question 9: An energy pyramid shows the decrease in available energy as one moves up the trophic levels because energy is lost as heat and for metabolic processes at each level.

Answer:

1. c. Highest energy amount
2. b. Decomposers
3. b. It demonstrates the decrease in available energy as it moves up trophic levels