Biology SL
Biology SL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme A - Unity & Diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Trophic Levels Ecosystems & Energy Loss

Word Count Emoji
457 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

🌳 Did You Know? In the vast savannahs of East Africa, an elephant's favorite snack is the Senegalia mellifera tree. Now, imagine if there were tiny creatures munching on this tree, which were then eaten by some larger ones, and the chain continues until you reach the elephant. Cool, right? Let's dive into how these food chains work!

Trophic Levels - A Quick Recap! 🍔

  • Food chains show how energy flows in an ecosystem.
  • Each stage in a food chain represents a trophic level.
  • As we move up the trophic levels, energy is lost.

🍀 Example: Let's go on an underwater adventure!

  • Bluefin tuna 🐟 in the North Atlantic munch on species that are either secondary or tertiary consumers.
  • Although killer whales (orcas) sometimes snack on Bluefin tuna, they prefer a diet from the lower trophic levels.
  • Orcas = Apex Predators 🐋 (Meaning? Top of the food pyramid! No one dares to eat them.)

Why Food Chains Aren't Never-Ending 🔥

  • We might think that food chains could go on and on. 🔄 But here's the catch: at every trophic level, a LOT of energy gets lost.
  • So, after a point, there isn't enough energy left to support another level. It's like trying to power a whole city with a single AA battery - not happening!

🥇 Golden Rule: Energy decreases as you move up the food chain.

 

🍝 Real-World Fun Fact: A Peregrine falcon 🦅 might seem pretty high up on the food chain, but it needs a territory bigger than 100km2 just to find enough food! Imagine having to roam an area equivalent to over 14,000 soccer fields just for your daily burger!

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IB Resources
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Biology SL
Biology SL

Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence

Unlocking Trophic Levels Ecosystems & Energy Loss

Word Count Emoji
457 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 5th Nov 2024

Table of content

🌳 Did You Know? In the vast savannahs of East Africa, an elephant's favorite snack is the Senegalia mellifera tree. Now, imagine if there were tiny creatures munching on this tree, which were then eaten by some larger ones, and the chain continues until you reach the elephant. Cool, right? Let's dive into how these food chains work!

Trophic Levels - A Quick Recap! 🍔

  • Food chains show how energy flows in an ecosystem.
  • Each stage in a food chain represents a trophic level.
  • As we move up the trophic levels, energy is lost.

🍀 Example: Let's go on an underwater adventure!

  • Bluefin tuna 🐟 in the North Atlantic munch on species that are either secondary or tertiary consumers.
  • Although killer whales (orcas) sometimes snack on Bluefin tuna, they prefer a diet from the lower trophic levels.
  • Orcas = Apex Predators 🐋 (Meaning? Top of the food pyramid! No one dares to eat them.)

Why Food Chains Aren't Never-Ending 🔥

  • We might think that food chains could go on and on. 🔄 But here's the catch: at every trophic level, a LOT of energy gets lost.
  • So, after a point, there isn't enough energy left to support another level. It's like trying to power a whole city with a single AA battery - not happening!

🥇 Golden Rule: Energy decreases as you move up the food chain.

 

🍝 Real-World Fun Fact: A Peregrine falcon 🦅 might seem pretty high up on the food chain, but it needs a territory bigger than 100km2 just to find enough food! Imagine having to roam an area equivalent to over 14,000 soccer fields just for your daily burger!

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology SL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟