Question
Directions: On your own and silently, choose the letter of the one most correct answer. Be ready to defend your claim with evidence and reasoning.
Which food chain correctly shows the flow of energy in an ecosystem?
A.
primary consumer -> secondary consumer -> tertiary consumer -> producer
B.
producer -> primary consumer -> secondary consumer -> tertiary consumer
C.
producer -> tertiary consumer -> secondary consumer -> primary consumer
D.
tertiary consumer -> secondary consumer -> primary consumer -> producer
E.
tertiary consumer -> secondary consumer -> primary consumer -> producer
Which food chain correctly shows the flow of energy in an ecosystem?
A.
primary consumer -> secondary consumer -> tertiary consumer -> producer
B.
producer -> primary consumer -> secondary consumer -> tertiary consumer
C.
producer -> tertiary consumer -> secondary consumer -> primary consumer
D.
tertiary consumer -> secondary consumer -> primary consumer -> producer
E.
tertiary consumer -> secondary consumer -> primary consumer -> producer
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
The correct answer is **B. producer -> primary consumer -> secondary consumer -> tertiary consumer**.
### Evidence and Reasoning:
1. **Flow of Energy:** Energy in an ecosystem flows from the sun to producers (plants) through photosynthesis. Producers convert sunlight into energy, which is then passed on to consumers.
2. **Trophic Levels:**
- **Producers:** These are organisms that produce their own energy (e.g., plants).
- **Primary Consumers:** These organisms eat producers (e.g., herbivores like rabbits).
- **Secondary Consumers:** These organisms eat primary consumers (e.g., carnivores like snakes).
- **Tertiary Consumers:** These are top predators that eat secondary consumers (e.g., hawks).
3. **Hierarchy:** The hierarchical order is crucial because it reflects how energy is transferred up the food chain. Beginning with producers at the base, the flow of energy moves upwards through each consumer level.
In contrast:
- Options A, C, D, and E incorrectly start with consumers or incorrectly order the consumers and producers, disrupting the natural flow of energy from producers to various consumer levels. Thus, option B accurately reflects the energy flow in an ecosystem.
### Evidence and Reasoning:
1. **Flow of Energy:** Energy in an ecosystem flows from the sun to producers (plants) through photosynthesis. Producers convert sunlight into energy, which is then passed on to consumers.
2. **Trophic Levels:**
- **Producers:** These are organisms that produce their own energy (e.g., plants).
- **Primary Consumers:** These organisms eat producers (e.g., herbivores like rabbits).
- **Secondary Consumers:** These organisms eat primary consumers (e.g., carnivores like snakes).
- **Tertiary Consumers:** These are top predators that eat secondary consumers (e.g., hawks).
3. **Hierarchy:** The hierarchical order is crucial because it reflects how energy is transferred up the food chain. Beginning with producers at the base, the flow of energy moves upwards through each consumer level.
In contrast:
- Options A, C, D, and E incorrectly start with consumers or incorrectly order the consumers and producers, disrupting the natural flow of energy from producers to various consumer levels. Thus, option B accurately reflects the energy flow in an ecosystem.