Energy Pyramid

Segment: 9. Natural Resource Systems, Standard: Apply scientific principles of an ecosystem. (Technical III.A.2)

Description

An energy pyramid, also known as a trophic or ecological pyramid, is a graphical representation of the energy found within the trophic levels of an ecosystem. The bottom and largest level of the pyramid is the producers and contains the largest amount of energy. As you move up the pyramid, through the trophic levels to primary, secondary and tertiary consumers, the amount of energy decreases and the levels become smaller. While energy can not be created or destroyed is it released as heat within each level. Approximately only 10% of energy is passed from one level to the next.

Resources

Teaching Methods

Brainstorming, Lecture Discussion, Paired or Small Group Discussion, Role Play, Case Study, Field Trip, Resource People, Experiment, Game and Simulations

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