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. Energy Source: The primary source of energy for most ecosystems is the Sun. Plants (like the flowers here) use sunlight to perform photosynthesis, converting light energy into chemical energy (stored in glucose). This process is the base of the food chain.
2. Effect on Flowers: If the ash cloud blocks the Sun and doesn't clear, the flowers won't get enough sunlight for photosynthesis. Without photosynthesis, they can't produce food (glucose) or oxygen. Over time, the flowers will start to die because they can't generate the energy they need to grow, reproduce, or maintain their cellular functions.
3. Effect on Deer: The deer survives by eating the flowers. If the flowers die due to lack of sunlight, the deer will lose its primary food source. With no flowers to eat, the deer will face starvation. It might also have to compete with other herbivores (if any) for remaining food or migrate to find new food sources. If it can't find alternative food or migrate successfully, the deer population in that area will likely decline.

Answer:

• Energy Source: The Sun is the main energy source. Plants use sunlight for photosynthesis, converting light energy to chemical energy (stored in food).
• Flowers: Without sunlight (blocked by ash), flowers can’t photosynthesize. They’ll lack energy to survive, so they’ll die.
• Deer: The deer eats flowers. If flowers die, the deer loses its food source. It may starve, migrate, or face population decline.