Why is only ~10 % of energy passed on?
Reveal answer
Respiration (heat) + uneaten parts + faeces.
Key words: heat
5(b) FEEDING RELATIONSHIPS · RECALL
5.8 Transfer along a food chain
15 recall questions. Answer from memory, reveal the answer, then rate yourself. Ratings stay on this device.
Ratings are saved in this browser on this device, under a KS4 key kept separate from International A Level recall. Written answers are temporary and cleared when you leave the page. Use Reset to clear the ratings on this device.
Main process causing energy loss?
Reveal answer
Respiration (heat).
Key words: respiration
Why are plant foods more efficient for humans?
Reveal answer
Fewer trophic levels → less energy lost.
Key words: fewer
Why are food chains short?
Reveal answer
Energy lost each level → too little for more levels.
Key words: lost
Why do mammals lose more energy than fish?
Reveal answer
Keep a constant body temperature.
Key words: constant
Where does energy in faeces go?
Reveal answer
To decomposers.
Key words: decomposers
Why keep animals indoors (efficiency)?
Reveal answer
Less movement + warmth → less heat lost.
Key words: less
What % of energy passes to the next level?
Reveal answer
About 10 %.
Key words: 10
What is meant by the term recycling?
Reveal answer
Return of elements to the environment so that they can be used again.
Key words: recycling
Matter and energy in a food chain: for Enters the chain, give the substances (matter) and the energy.
Reveal answer
Substances (matter): CO₂, water and mineral ions taken up by producers. Energy: Light absorbed by chlorophyll.
Key words: Enters the chain
Matter and energy in a food chain: for Passed on, give the substances (matter) and the energy.
Reveal answer
Substances (matter): Organic molecules eaten, digested and assimilated. Energy: Chemical energy stored in biomass.
Key words: Passed on
Matter and energy in a food chain: for Leaves each level, give the substances (matter) and the energy.
Reveal answer
Substances (matter): Egestion, excretion, death and respiration (CO₂). Energy: Heat from respiration, energy in waste and uneaten parts.
Key words: Leaves each level
Matter and energy in a food chain: for Fate, give the substances (matter) and the energy.
Reveal answer
Substances (matter): Recycled by decomposers. Energy: Not recycled; finally lost as heat.
Key words: Fate
True or false, and why? “Energy is recycled like carbon.”
Reveal answer
False. Energy flows through ecosystems and is eventually lost as heat; only matter is recycled.
True or false, and why? “Energy is “used up”.”
Reveal answer
False. Energy is transferred to the surroundings, mainly as heat, not destroyed.