Energy Pyramids
Every living thing is part of a continuing transfer of energy best illustrated by an energy
pyramid. Each of the pyramid’s levels is known as a trophic level. Trophic refers to feeding, the
process by which energy is obtained from nutrients. The lowest trophic level is made up of
producers. Consumers eat plants or other animals. Decomposers digest the bodies of dead
plants and animals and the waste products of both. Even though animals at the top of a
pyramid do not eat plants at the bottom, they rely on them just the same. Both producers and
consumers rely on the decomposers.
The amount of energy obtained is decreased at every level of the pyramid. Only a
fraction of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next level–about 10
percent.
There may be several food chains in an ecosystem. The relationships among the
producers, consumers, and decomposers in all the food chains in an ecosystem are connected
and dependent. This relationship forms a pattern for energy transfer in the ecosystem known
as a food web. Food webs include the exchange of nutrients into and out of the soil.
Energy Pyramids
Every living thing is part of a continuing transfer of energy best illustrated by an energy
pyramid. Each of the pyramid’s levels is known as a trophic level. Trophic refers to feeding, the
process by which energy is obtained from nutrients. The lowest trophic level is made up of
producers. Consumers eat plants or other animals. Decomposers digest the bodies of dead
plants and animals and the waste products of both. Even though animals at the top of a
pyramid do not eat plants at the bottom, they rely on them just the same. Both producers and
consumers rely on the decomposers.
The amount of energy obtained is decreased at every level of the pyramid. Only a
fraction of the energy available at one trophic level is transferred to the next level–about 10
percent.
There may be several food chains in an ecosystem. The relationships among the
producers, consumers, and decomposers in all the food chains in an ecosystem are connected
and dependent. This relationship forms a pattern for energy transfer in the ecosystem known
as a food web. Food webs include the exchange of nutrients into and out of the soil.