How Ecosystems WorkUnit 3

Use this Powerpoint to guide your research. Address all RED

questions/statements in your WIKI

Energy Flow in Ecosystems

• Roles of producers and consumers• Energy flows from the sun to producers to

consumers– Food webs

• Energy pyramid = trophic levels• Could there be life on earth without

producers?

The Cycling of Materials

• Water, Carbon and Nitrogen• Describe the role of producers in the

carbon cycle• How are humans altering the carbon

cycle?

How Ecosystems Change

• Primary and Secondary Succession• Explain the Importance of Pioneer

Species- Explain why it may be damaging in

the long run to put out some forest fires