4. Energy in Ecosystems

• Not all of the energy an organism gains by feeding can be passed onto the organism that consumes it.
• Energy can be used up or lost by:

  • Heat
  • Movement
  • Undigested material
• Some organisms use part of the lost energy. They are called decomposers.
• Decomposers consume dead plant and animal matter (waste) and are found on all levels of a food chain as they feed on them all.
• When energy is transferred in a food chain 90% of the energy is lost as you move up a level.
• Only 10% of energy is moved on to the next level.
• The energy passed onto the consumer is used for growth.