What happens in the food chains of ecosystems?

In ecosystem food webs, energy and matter flow unidirectionally through interconnected food chains. Think of it like this: the sun’s energy is captured by plants (producers), which are then eaten by herbivores (primary consumers). These herbivores are subsequently consumed by carnivores (secondary consumers), and so on, up the food chain.

Key takeaways for any traveler venturing into the wilderness:

Each level in the food chain represents a trophic level, with energy and biomass decreasing at each successive level. This is due to energy loss as heat at each stage of transfer.
The length of a food chain is limited by energy availability. Longer chains are less common because there’s simply less energy left at the top.
Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) play a crucial role, breaking down dead organisms and returning essential nutrients to the soil, thus completing the cycle.

For example:

Sun’s energy → Grass (producer)
Grass → Rabbit (primary consumer)
Rabbit → Fox (secondary consumer)
Fox → Decomposers (bacteria, fungi)

Understanding these flows is vital. A disruption at any level, such as overhunting, can have cascading effects throughout the entire food web, impacting the delicate balance of the ecosystem you’re exploring.

What rules should be followed when constructing food chains?

When building food chains, remember to always start with producers (plants), the base of the food web, and end with decomposers (bacteria and fungi) that recycle nutrients back into the system. Think of it like tracing a trail – you need a starting point and an endpoint. However, there are exceptions, like detritus food chains. These begin with dead organic matter – imagine a fallen leaf – followed by a decomposer like an earthworm, then a shrew, then carrion beetles, and finally bacteria breaking down the remaining organic matter. This is a crucial part of the ecosystem’s recycling process; without decomposers, nutrients wouldn’t be returned to the soil for plants to use, and the whole chain would collapse. You’ll often find multiple intertwined food chains forming a complex food web, a bit like a tangled network of trails in a forest. Understanding this helps you appreciate how interconnected everything is in nature, and how even a seemingly small organism can play a vital role. In practice, identifying the various organisms in a food chain requires careful observation and knowledge of their feeding habits. Remember that food chains are dynamic and can change seasonally as food sources become abundant or scarce.

What happens to energy in a food chain?

Energy in a food chain? Think of it like this: the potential energy locked within a plant, say a luscious mango, is transferred to the creature that eats it – perhaps a monkey. This energy transfer isn’t perfectly efficient; a significant portion, 80-90%, is lost as heat – imagine the monkey’s exertion climbing to reach that mango. This heat loss is why food chains aren’t infinitely long. I’ve seen it firsthand in the Amazon – the intricate web of life rarely extends beyond 4 or 5 links. The top predator, a jaguar perhaps, receives only a tiny fraction of the original solar energy captured by the plant. This limitation isn’t just about energy efficiency; it also reflects the challenges of finding and capturing prey at each trophic level. The scarcity of energy at higher levels explains the relative rarity of apex predators – they exist at the very tip of a sharply diminishing energy pyramid.

How is energy transferred within an ecosystem?

Ever wondered how energy flows through those incredible ecosystems I’ve explored across the globe? It’s not a cycle, like some mystical, never-ending river. It’s a one-way street powered by the sun. Sunlight, that brilliant energy source, hits the planet and gets captured by plants. These amazing photosynthetic powerhouses convert that light energy into the chemical energy stored in sugars and other organic molecules – the fuel of life, if you will.

Think of the Amazon rainforest, teeming with life. Every creature, from the tiniest insect to the largest jaguar, ultimately depends on that initial solar energy conversion. The energy travels through the food web, passing from plants (producers) to herbivores (primary consumers), then to carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers), and finally to decomposers. But it’s a surprisingly inefficient journey.

A significant portion of this energy is lost at each step. It’s not “destroyed,” but transformed into heat. Imagine a cheetah chasing down a gazelle – the energy expended during the hunt, the metabolic processes involved in digestion, all release heat. This is why the higher you go up the food chain, the less energy is available. The energy pyramid reflects this perfectly. That’s why there are always far more plants than herbivores and more herbivores than carnivores in any healthy ecosystem. It’s all about energy availability, a fundamental concept I’ve witnessed playing out countless times in diverse environments from the Serengeti plains to the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef.

So, next time you witness the vibrant life of an ecosystem, remember the incredible, one-way journey of energy, originating from the sun and powering everything around you. The remarkable efficiency, or rather inefficiency, of this energy transfer is a fascinating aspect of nature’s design.

What are some examples of food chains in nature?

Food chains are the backbone of any ecosystem, a fascinating interplay of energy flow I’ve witnessed firsthand in countless travels. Let’s explore some examples, highlighting the intricate connections:

Sunlight → Grass → Caterpillar → Sparrow → Hawk: This classic chain showcases the energy transfer from the sun, the primary energy source, through a simple herbivore (caterpillar), a primary consumer (sparrow), to a top predator (hawk). I’ve seen variations of this in the meadows of the Scottish Highlands, where the hawk’s sharp eyesight is crucial for hunting.
Sunlight → Tree → Squirrel → Fox: Observed this many times in the forests of North America. The tree provides energy for the squirrel, a herbivore, which in turn becomes prey for the fox, a secondary consumer. The fox’s adaptability allows it to thrive in varied forest habitats.
Sunlight → Grass → Cow → Human: This chain highlights humanity’s role as a top consumer. The dependence on grazing animals for food is a global phenomenon I’ve seen practiced differently across cultures, from the Maasai in Kenya to ranchers in Argentina.
Sunlight → Red Oat Grass → Termites → Mongoose → Caracal: This arid-land chain, observed in parts of Africa, illustrates the resilience of life in harsh environments. The termites break down tough grasses, providing sustenance for the mongoose, which is then preyed upon by the agile caracal.
Sunlight → Grass → Vole → Owl: A common chain in temperate grasslands worldwide. The vole, a small rodent, plays a crucial role in seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. I’ve often heard the owl’s haunting call while studying these ecosystems.
Sunlight → Phytoplankton → Krill → Leopard Seal → Orca: This marine chain illustrates the importance of phytoplankton, the base of many ocean food webs. I’ve been lucky enough to witness this in action in Antarctica, observing the incredible power of the Orca at the top of the chain. The sheer scale of these oceanic ecosystems is breathtaking.

Key takeaway: These are simplified examples. In reality, organisms often participate in multiple food chains, creating complex food webs. This complexity ensures ecosystem stability and resilience, a crucial concept for conservation efforts I’ve been deeply involved in.

What is the significance of food chains in nature?

Food chains are the unseen scaffolding of our planet’s ecosystems. Imagine the Amazon rainforest, teeming with life. Without them, the delicate balance would crumble. I’ve witnessed firsthand in the remote corners of the world how a disruption – a disease wiping out a key species, for instance – can trigger a cascade of consequences. The jaguar, apex predator, keeps the deer population in check; fewer jaguars mean more deer, leading to overgrazing and impacting plant life, potentially devastating local communities relying on those plants for food and medicine. This isn’t just theory; I’ve seen villages struggle with food scarcity after local ecosystems suffered similar shocks.

It’s not just about grand predators. Pollination, crucial for food crops, relies entirely on the intricate web of life within food chains. Bees, bats, and countless other creatures play their part. In the sunflower fields of Provence, or the cherry blossoms of Japan, you see this play out. Their disappearance, often linked to habitat destruction and pesticide use, directly translates to lower crop yields and potentially global food insecurity – a reality I’ve seen impacting farmers across continents. This interconnectedness underlines the fundamental truth: every organism, from the smallest microbe to the largest whale, plays a vital role.

Furthermore, the breakdown of these chains can have a direct impact on human health. Disease control is deeply intertwined with the health of ecosystems. In the densely populated slums of Mumbai, or the sprawling favelas of Rio, I’ve seen how proximity to disturbed environments intensifies the risk of zoonotic diseases – illnesses that jump from animals to humans. A balanced food chain helps to regulate the spread of pathogens, safeguarding both wildlife and human populations. Every creature, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to this crucial function.

What is the significance of the food chain in an ecosystem?

Food chains are crucial for understanding ecosystem dynamics. They illustrate the complex interdependence of organisms, showing how each relies on others for survival. Think of it like a delicate Jenga tower; remove one block (a species), and the whole thing could come crashing down.

Understanding the flow of energy: Each link in the chain represents a transfer of energy, starting with producers (plants) converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. This energy then moves up the chain to primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and so on. The top predators, the apex of the chain, accumulate the energy from all the levels below.

The impact of disruption: Witnessing a disruption firsthand, like a sudden decline in a keystone species (a species with a disproportionately large effect on its environment), can be truly eye-opening. For example, the disappearance of a crucial pollinator can lead to a cascade effect, affecting plant populations and subsequently the animals that depend on those plants. You might observe this in the form of reduced biodiversity, altered landscapes, or even entire ecosystems collapsing.

Practical applications: Understanding food chains helps in conservation efforts. By recognizing the interconnectedness of species, we can better manage resources and protect vulnerable ecosystems. This is particularly important for tourists interested in responsible travel.
Observational opportunities: Sharp observation skills are key to understanding food webs in action. You may spot predator-prey interactions, competition for resources, and the impact of human activities on the delicate balance of nature during your travels. Keep a journal to record your findings!
Example: In a rainforest, you might observe a monkey eating fruit (producer), then a jaguar preying on that monkey (secondary consumer). If the fruit population declines due to deforestation, the monkey population might also decrease, impacting the jaguar population and the entire forest ecosystem.
Another Example: In a coral reef ecosystem, the loss of coral (producer) due to coral bleaching can wipe out many fish populations (consumers) that depend on coral for shelter and food. The whole reef ecosystem is extremely vulnerable to this kind of disruption.

What role do food webs play in an ecosystem?

Food webs, you see, are the intricate tapestry of life in any ecosystem. They illustrate the flow of energy, a crucial aspect of survival I’ve witnessed firsthand in countless expeditions. Plants, the steadfast producers, form the base, converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis – a truly remarkable process.

Animals, however, are the consumers, their roles determined by their diet. Herbivores, the gentle giants and nimble creatures, occupy the next level as primary consumers, feeding directly on the producers. Think of the vast herds of wildebeest I’ve encountered on the African plains, their survival entirely dependent on the abundant grasses.

Then there are the carnivores, the apex predators of the food web. These are the secondary consumers (and sometimes even tertiary, depending on the complexity of the web!), feeding on the herbivores. The majestic lion, for instance, a creature of power and grace, maintains the balance by regulating herbivore populations. Their role is far more nuanced than simple predation; it’s a keystone interaction that ensures ecosystem health.

Important Note: This is a simplified model. Many organisms are omnivores, consuming both plants and animals, making the web even more complex.
The efficiency of energy transfer between trophic levels is surprisingly low – around 10%, a fact that explains the pyramid-like structure of food webs, with fewer top predators compared to the producers at the base.
The intricate interplay within food webs highlights the interconnectedness of life. A disturbance in one area, like the depletion of a keystone species, can trigger a cascade effect, impacting the entire ecosystem.
Understanding food webs is paramount to conservation efforts. By charting these relationships, we can better predict and mitigate the impacts of human activities on fragile ecosystems.

What is the food chain of the ecosystem?

Imagine you’re trekking through a forest. That forest’s food chain, or food web, is a crucial part of its survival. It’s essentially a linear sequence showing who eats whom, starting with producers like plants. Plants, using sunlight, make their own food through photosynthesis – the base of the entire ecosystem. Think of it: the energy from the sun powering berries you might snack on, which in turn power a bear that might eventually become food for a mountain lion. That’s the energy flow in action! Each step, or trophic level, represents a transfer of energy – about 10% of energy is transferred from one level to the next, meaning energy is lost as heat at each stage. You can follow this chain easily by looking at what organisms eat: a deer eating grass, a wolf eating the deer; it’s all connected.

Consider the impact of removing a link – say, overhunting deer. The wolf population might suffer, impacting other parts of the ecosystem. This interconnectedness is something every hiker should understand, whether backpacking in the Rockies or climbing in the Alps; respecting the delicate balance is key to ensuring these incredible ecosystems thrive.

Different ecosystems have different food chains, obviously. A desert food chain might start with drought-resistant shrubs, eaten by insects, eaten by lizards, and so on. It’s all about adaptation and energy transfer. Learning to identify the key players – producers, primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores), and decomposers (fungi and bacteria) – adds another layer to your appreciation of the wilderness.

What is the significance of the food chain in ecosystems?

Food chains are fundamental to understanding ecosystem dynamics. They illustrate the intricate relationships between organisms, revealing dependencies crucial for survival. Think of it like this: you’re hiking, and you see a deer. That deer is a herbivore, relying on plants for energy. The plants depend on sunlight and nutrients from the soil. A wolf, on the other hand, is a predator, depending on the deer (or other prey) for food. Understanding this chain helps you predict the consequences of changes. For example, if a disease wipes out the deer population, the wolf population will decline due to food scarcity, potentially affecting other aspects of the ecosystem.

Knowing the food chain enhances your wilderness experience. It allows you to appreciate the interconnectedness of life and anticipate potential imbalances. Observing a particularly vibrant plant community might indicate a healthy ecosystem, whereas an absence of certain animals could highlight a disruption. This awareness improves your appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and allows for more responsible exploration and interaction with the environment.

Furthermore, the concept extends beyond simple linear chains. In reality, ecosystems have complex food webs, with organisms occupying multiple trophic levels. A single organism might be prey for several predators and, in turn, might feed on multiple food sources. This complexity is key to resilience, but a single disruption can still have cascading effects. Losing a keystone species—one with a disproportionately large impact on its environment—can trigger a significant ecosystem shift.

What organisms are shown in the food chain?

Food chains illustrate the fascinating flow of energy in ecosystems, a concept I’ve witnessed firsthand in diverse habitats from the Amazon rainforest to the Serengeti plains. They’re essentially diagrams showing who eats whom. It’s not just a simple linear progression; it’s a complex web of interconnected relationships. The key players are producers, consumers, prey, and predators. Producers, mostly plants, are the base, converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis – a process I’ve seen in action during my travels to countless national parks.

Consumers are the animals that eat producers (herbivores) or other animals (carnivores or omnivores). Think of the wildebeest grazing on the savannah or the jaguar stalking its prey in the Amazonian jungle – both are consumers I’ve observed countless times. Prey are the organisms that are hunted; predators are the hunters. This predator-prey dynamic is essential for maintaining balance within the ecosystem – a delicate balance I’ve seen disrupted in some areas due to human interference.

Understanding food chains is crucial to comprehending the fragility of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of all living things. For instance, the decline of a single species can have a ripple effect throughout the entire chain, impacting everything from the smallest insects to the largest mammals – a stark reality I’ve witnessed during my research on endangered species in various parts of the world. The impact of human activities, such as deforestation and poaching, directly affects food chains, leading to instability and potential collapse – an increasingly pressing issue that demands our urgent attention.

Beyond the basic categories, food chains often intertwine to form intricate food webs. Observing these webs, in places like the coral reefs of the Pacific, has highlighted the complexity and beauty of nature’s design. Each organism plays a vital role, and disruption in any part of the web can lead to unforeseen consequences, further emphasizing the interconnectedness and delicate balance inherent in every ecosystem.

What types of food chains exist?

Two main food chains exist in nature: grazing, or predation chains, and detritus, or decomposition chains. Grazing chains start with producers like plants, then move to herbivores (think of that delicious wild berry you just ate, and the deer that might eat it too!), then to carnivores (maybe a wolf later on). These are the chains you mostly see depicted in nature documentaries. They’re straightforward – energy flows from the sun through plants to animals.

Detritus chains, on the other hand, are less glamorous but equally crucial. They begin with dead organic matter – fallen leaves, animal carcasses (encountered plenty of those on my last hike!), and waste products. Decomposers like bacteria and fungi break these down, releasing nutrients back into the soil. This is essential; without them, the forest floor would be buried under decaying matter. The nutrients from these chains fuel the grazing chains, creating a cycle. Imagine the rich soil supporting the wildflowers that attract the pollinators, which then attract the birds… all connected!

What are the main components of an ecosystem?

So, you want to understand ecosystems? Think of it like this: I’ve trekked across the Amazon, climbed the Himalayas, and dived the Great Barrier Reef – each a unique ecosystem. They all share fundamental components, though the specifics vary wildly.

Climate dictates everything. Think scorching deserts versus icy tundra. Temperature, humidity, sunlight – these aren’t just numbers; they determine what *can* even live there. I’ve seen firsthand how a slight shift in altitude dramatically changes the vegetation, and therefore the entire animal community. It’s the foundation upon which everything else is built.

Inorganic substances are the raw materials. Water, minerals, gases – they cycle endlessly, fueling the whole system. I’ve seen nutrient-poor soils in the Andes produce surprisingly diverse flora, while rich volcanic soils in Indonesia support lush rainforests. The availability of these elements directly impacts the richness of life.

Organic compounds are the building blocks of life itself. From the complex carbohydrates in a rainforest tree to the proteins in a polar bear, these are the molecules that make up every living thing. The cycling of these compounds, from decay to consumption, is the essence of the food web. I remember observing intricate decomposition processes in a Costa Rican jungle – truly a testament to this cycling.

Producers, mostly plants, are the base of the food web. They harness the sun’s energy through photosynthesis, converting it into usable energy for the entire ecosystem. The incredible biodiversity of the Amazon, for example, is entirely dependent on this primary production.

Macroconsumers (phagotrophs), the animals we often see, are the eaters. From the mighty elephant to the tiny hummingbird, they consume producers or other consumers. Watching a leopard stalk its prey in the African savanna illustrated this perfectly – the predator-prey dynamic is a key component.

Microconsumers (saprotrophs), like bacteria and fungi, are the recyclers. They break down dead organic matter, returning essential nutrients to the soil and water. Without them, the cycle would collapse. I’ve witnessed the rapid decomposition in tropical climates – a constant reminder of their crucial role.

What food chains can exist in a forest?

Forest food webs are incredibly diverse, varying significantly based on location and biome. Think of the Amazon rainforest versus a boreal forest – the species, and therefore the chains, are dramatically different.

Classic Examples, with Global Parallels:

Decomposers-Producer-Herbivore-Predator-Apex Predator: This is a fundamental model. While the specific species change, the structure remains consistent across many ecosystems. For example: Microorganisms – Birch Tree – Beetles/Larvae – Woodpecker – Hawk. This chain mirrors similar relationships found in deciduous forests globally, from the Appalachian Mountains to the Carpathian range. Variations include different tree species (oak instead of birch) or different bird predators.
Producer-Herbivore-Predator-Apex Predator: Another common structure. Berry bush – Mouse – Fox – Bear. This shows the vital role of berries as a food source. Similar chains exist in many temperate forests worldwide, with variations in the specific species of berry, rodent, and predator.
Decomposer-Herbivore-Predator-Apex Predator: Fungi – Squirrel – Marten – Fox – Wolf. This highlights the importance of fungi in nutrient cycling and the role of diverse predators. The presence of wolves (or other apex predators) as the top of the chain plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance, a phenomenon observed from Yellowstone National Park to the Siberian taiga.

Simplified Chains, highlighting widespread patterns:

Dandelion – Hare – Wolf: This represents a simple herbivore-predator relationship common in grasslands adjacent to forests across the globe.
Oats – Mouse – Fox: This showcases the importance of grain crops as a food source, and how even agricultural areas intersect with forest ecosystems and food webs. This type of chain can be seen near forest edges in many parts of Europe and Asia.
Grass – Grasshopper – Frog: This basic chain exemplifies energy transfer from producers to primary and secondary consumers, found in a vast array of habitats globally.
Millet – Sparrow – Owl: A similar energy transfer chain, showcasing the importance of seed-eating birds in many ecosystems around the world.

Understanding the interconnectedness: It’s crucial to remember that these chains are interconnected. A fox might eat both mice and rabbits. This creates a complex web, not just a linear chain. The resilience of a forest ecosystem depends on this intricate web of interactions. The diversity of species within each chain varies drastically depending on the specific forest type and its geographical location.

What happens to energy in an ecosystem?

Energy flow in an ecosystem? Think of it like this: the sun’s the ultimate power source, fueling everything. Plants, the producers, soak up this solar energy through photosynthesis, converting it into the chemical energy stored in their tissues – your next delicious trailside snack! Then, herbivores, the primary consumers, munch on these plants, grabbing that stored energy. Next, carnivores, the secondary and tertiary consumers, get their energy by eating herbivores or other carnivores. It’s a chain reaction, a transfer of energy up the food web. Each level loses energy as heat – think of it as the metabolic cost of being alive, hiking uphill, and generally surviving. This means the higher you climb the food chain, the less energy is available. A mountain lion needs to eat far more deer than a deer needs to eat grass to get the same energy. So, essentially, it’s all about energy conversion and transfer, with a good bit of it getting lost along the way as heat. The entire system runs on solar power, ultimately.

What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?

Think of a food chain like a single, well-worn hiking trail: a linear path from the producers (like the lush vegetation at the trailhead) to the top predators (the apex predators at the trail’s end) and finally to decomposers (breaking down the organic matter along the way).

A food web, on the other hand, is like a whole national park’s trail system: a complex network of interconnected trails. Multiple food chains intertwine, creating a much more robust and resilient system. One animal might eat several different plants, and that animal might be prey for several different predators. This interconnectedness is key to ecosystem stability; if one trail (food chain) is damaged, there are plenty of alternatives (other food chains) to ensure the overall system keeps functioning. Think of it like having various options to reach your destination – even if one trail is blocked, there’s likely another route to get you where you need to go. It’s all about adaptability and resilience in the face of changing conditions, much like navigating a challenging wilderness area requires flexibility and planning.

The key difference boils down to this: a food chain follows a single path, while a food web follows multiple pathways simultaneously.

What are some examples of food chains found in nature?

Food chains vary greatly depending on the ecosystem. Here are some examples, highlighting survival strategies and interesting facts:

Arctic Desert: Algae → Fish → Seal → Polar Bear. The polar bear’s thick blubber layer is crucial for surviving the frigid temperatures, allowing it to hunt seals at breathing holes in the ice. Algae form the base of this extremely simplified food chain.

Taiga: Pine seeds → Squirrel → Marten → Lynx. Pine seeds are a key food source for many taiga animals. The lynx, a highly adapted predator, uses its keen eyesight and stealth to hunt squirrels and other small prey. The marten, a smaller predator, also plays a significant role in regulating squirrel populations.

Tundra: Moss → Lemming → Arctic Fox. Lemmings are a vital part of the tundra ecosystem, serving as prey for many animals. Their populations fluctuate dramatically, impacting the predator populations, demonstrating the delicate balance of this environment.

Forest-Tundra (ecotone): Grasses → Lemmings → Arctic Fox → Brown Bear. Ecotones, like the forest-tundra, show species from both bordering biomes, offering increased biodiversity but also increased competition for resources.

Forest: Tree bark (insects feeding on it) → Hare → Wolf. This highlights a less obvious food source (tree bark consumed indirectly via insects) and the crucial role of herbivores in connecting plant life to top predators. Understanding the importance of the hare’s role in the food web is critical when observing predator-prey dynamics.

What role do green plants play in ecosystem food chains?

Green plants are the primary producers in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, capable of absorbing carbon dioxide (CO₂). This process, known as photosynthesis, is fundamental to life on Earth.

Their role in food chains is crucial:

They form the base of the food chain, providing the initial energy source.
Herbivores (primary consumers) directly feed on plants.
Carnivores (secondary and tertiary consumers) indirectly depend on plants through their prey.
Even decomposers, which break down dead organisms, rely on the organic matter initially produced by plants.

Think of it like this: a deer (herbivore) eats grass (producer), a wolf (carnivore) eats the deer, and when the wolf dies, decomposers break down its body, returning nutrients to the soil which in turn helps the grass grow. This is a simplified example, but it illustrates the interconnectedness.

Interesting fact: Different plant species have different nutritional values for herbivores. Knowing this is handy for survival. For example, identifying edible plants and understanding their nutritional content is vital for wilderness survival. Learning which plants provide the most energy is crucial for long treks.

Some plants offer high energy content, essential for strenuous activity.
Others may provide necessary vitamins and minerals crucial for health in remote areas.
Identifying poisonous plants is equally vital to avoid accidental ingestion.

Why is some energy lost at each trophic level in a food chain?

Energy loss between trophic levels in a food chain is a fundamental ecological principle, something I’ve witnessed firsthand in the diverse ecosystems I’ve explored. It’s not simply a matter of inefficiency; it’s a consequence of the laws of thermodynamics. Organisms don’t convert all the energy they consume into biomass; a significant portion is lost as heat during metabolic processes – think of it as the internal combustion engine of a living being, generating energy but also losing a substantial amount as heat. Furthermore, not all of the ingested food is digested and absorbed; a considerable amount is excreted as waste. This variation in efficiency contributes to the pyramid-like structure of food chains, with each successive level supporting a smaller biomass. I’ve seen this clearly in the Amazon, where the vast energy captured by plants supports a far smaller population of herbivores, which in turn sustain an even smaller number of top predators. The rule of thumb is that only around 10% of energy is transferred to the next trophic level. This means a lion, for example, only gets a fraction of the energy originally contained in the zebra it consumed, having lost much of that energy to heat and waste products through each level of the food chain from the plant life that fed the zebra.