Energy in the Ecosystem WebQuest
1. Go to http://www.crickweb.co.uk/assets/resources/flash.php?&file=foodchains This site will lead to a “title” page. Click on the green box that looks like a food chain. After reading through the introductory page answer the following questions:
a. What is a food chain?
b. What do the arrows in a food chain represent?
c. What is the first type of organism found in a food chain?
d. In this paragraph, photosynthesis is mentioned. What do you know about photosynthesis? Write your answer here and then discuss with your partner.
click on the “next” button in the upper left-hand corner
e. Select “River” Habitat: After completing the food chain by placing the organisms in the correct order (the computer won’t let you get it wrong). Write out the food chain.
f. Where does the pondweed get its energy?
g. What happens to the energy in the tissues within the heron when the heron dies?
h. Select either “Woodland” or “Seashore” Habitat: After completing the food chain by placing the organisms in the correct order, write down the food chain.
2. Go to http://www.zephyrus.co.uk/foodpuzzlechain.html and complete the food chain “quiz.” Make sure to answer these questions as you go. [In other words, all of these questions can be answered by the information found as you work through this quiz.]
a. Green plants make their own food, so they are called ______.
b. What is a predator?
c. What is an example of a producer that fish could eat?
d. What is the general term for organisms that live in soil and fallen leaves on the forest floor? What is one example of them?
3. Go to http://www.sciencebob.com/lab/q-web-chain.html and answer this question: What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
4. Using the food web pictured above:
a. What does the queen conch eat?
b. The barracuda is listed as a carnivore, so what type of organisms would it eat?
c. Why does the energy provided by the sun only pointing to the plants?
d. What do you notice about the organization/layout of this food web?
e. Do you know of any organisms that might be classified as decomposers?
5. Go to http://www.cas.psu.edu/DOCS/WEBCOURSE/WETLAND/WET1/identify.html
This is a food web that we found online but it does have SIGNIFICANT problems.
· This food web isn’t set up according to trophic levels.
· It has no indication of the original source of energy (the sun)
· It doesn’t account for the decomposers at the end of the cycle.
We send you to this site to show you that not everything found online is correct. We can use it to reinforce some basic information though.
a. List the organism(s) that are producers.
b. List the organism(s) that are consumers.
c. How many different food chains can you find in the food web pictured?
6. Go to http://www.vtaide.com/png/foodchains.htm to answer these questions.
a. In any ecosystem, there are fewer carnivores than herbivores. Why? [Your answer needs to specifically include a description of how energy is transferred.]
b. Why would it be extremely rare to find a food chain with nine links in it?
7. Go to http://www.elmhurst.edu/~chm/onlcourse/chm110/outlines/foodenergy.html to answer these questions.
a. As energy passes to a higher trophic level, approximately ______of the useful energy is lost (no longer available to other organisms).
b. What is the benefit to a society if everyone reduces the amount of meat they eat?
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