Exam 3 Ecology Questions And Answers
Latest Update 2026
how energy and elements flow, considering
ecosystem ecology
both biotic and abiotic factors
autotrophs- primary producers—capture
ambient energy. they are at the bottom
of the energy pyramid
primary consumers- eat autotrophs, 2nd
from bottom
secondary consumers- 3rd from bottom
tertiary consumers- top
more energy available at the base of the
pyramid
a lot of this energy is lost to
physiological maintenance and
activity (5-20% survives each
trophic pyramid level)
animals are less metabolically
efficient than palnts so a lot of
energy may be lost to
movement or high metabolic
rates
Decomposers and scavengers use
energy NOT consumed by higher
trophic levels
Parasites- use energy of host, not
conventionally considered at higher
trophic levels
animals can eat at multiple trophic levels
require high productivity habitats
forage over huge areas
predators at higher trophic levels
are less abundant than species at lower
trophic levels
Latest Update 2026
how energy and elements flow, considering
ecosystem ecology
both biotic and abiotic factors
autotrophs- primary producers—capture
ambient energy. they are at the bottom
of the energy pyramid
primary consumers- eat autotrophs, 2nd
from bottom
secondary consumers- 3rd from bottom
tertiary consumers- top
more energy available at the base of the
pyramid
a lot of this energy is lost to
physiological maintenance and
activity (5-20% survives each
trophic pyramid level)
animals are less metabolically
efficient than palnts so a lot of
energy may be lost to
movement or high metabolic
rates
Decomposers and scavengers use
energy NOT consumed by higher
trophic levels
Parasites- use energy of host, not
conventionally considered at higher
trophic levels
animals can eat at multiple trophic levels
require high productivity habitats
forage over huge areas
predators at higher trophic levels
are less abundant than species at lower
trophic levels
