Question

1. what defines an individual within an ecosystem?

a. interaction with other species
b. geographical area
c. single organism
d. population size

1. what happens to the energy that is not transferred to the next trophic level?

a. it is stored in the organisms
b. it is converted into new energy
c. it is lost as heat or used for life processes
d. it is transferred back to the sun

1. what role do decomposers play in ecosystems?

a. nutrient recyclers
b. oxygen suppliers
c. predator control
d. energy producers

Explanation:

1. In an ecosystem, an individual is defined as a single organism. Interactions with other species, geographical area, and population size do not define an individual.
2. Energy that is not transferred to the next trophic level is lost as heat or used for life - processes of the organisms at the current trophic level due to the second law of thermodynamics. It cannot be converted into new energy according to the law of conservation of energy, is not transferred back to the sun, and is not just stored in the organisms.
3. Decomposers break down dead organisms and waste materials, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They are not oxygen suppliers (plants are mainly responsible for oxygen production), not predator - controllers, and not energy producers (producers like plants are energy producers).

Answer:

1. c. Single organism
2. c. It is lost as heat or used for life processes
3. a. Nutrient recyclers