unit 5 lesson 8 flow of energy quick check

Answer 1

1. What is the ultimate source of energy for most ecosystems on Earth?
- The sun

2. Describe the flow of energy in a food chain.
- Energy flows from the sun to producers (plants), then to primary consumers (herbivores), then to secondary consumers (carnivores), and so on.

3. Why is energy lost as it moves through a food chain?
- Energy is lost as heat during cellular respiration and metabolism, and some energy is lost as waste materials.

4. How do decomposers play a role in the flow of energy in an ecosystem?
- Decomposers break down dead organisms and organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem for plants to use.