Section 2.1 Notes

The Transfer of Energy in Ecosystems

Energy Transfer

• Food chains show how energy is transferred through an ecosystem

For example:

Sun    to      Producers      to     Herbivores and Omnivores    to     Carnivores and Omnivores

	Primary Consumers	Secondary Consumers	Tertiary Consumers
What they eat	Producers	Primary Consumers	Secondary Consumers
Also known as	Herbivores and Omnivores	Carnivores and Omnivores	Carnivores and Omnivores
Examples	Rabbits Cows	Foxes Raccoons	Owls Wolves

Energy Pyramids

• Energy pyramids show the amount of energy transferred in a food chain
• There are fewer organisms as you  move up the pyramid
• Only 10% of energy is passed on to the next level
• Less energy passed on means fewer organisms

Food Webs

• Food webs show interconnected food chains
• They show complex network of feeding relationships
• More accurate model than a simple food chain