Name: _____________________________________________Date: ________________Pd:

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WebQuest: Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem
Introduction:
In every ecosystem, energy is passed from one organism to another in a complex
web of interactions. This energy flow begins with the sun and travels through
various organisms, such as plants, herbivores, carnivores, and decomposers. By
understanding the flow of energy, we can gain insights into how ecosystems
function and the critical role of each organism.
In this WebQuest, you will explore the flow of energy in an ecosystem, how it moves
through different trophic levels, and why energy decreases as you move up the food
chain. You will also analyze the key components that make up an ecosystem's
energy flow, including producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Task:
Your mission is to explore the flow of energy in ecosystems, particularly focusing on
the following elements:
1. The role of producers, consumers, and decomposers.
2. The concepts of food chains and food webs.
3. The energy pyramid and how energy decreases at higher trophic levels.
4. The role of the sun as the ultimate energy source.
You will work individually to complete a series of research tasks. At the end of this
WebQuest, you will create a digital presentation to explain the flow of energy in an
ecosystem. Your presentation will include the following:
 A diagram or illustration of a food chain and food web.
 An energy pyramid showing the transfer of energy at different trophic
levels.
 A written explanation of the energy flow in an ecosystem.
Process:
Step 1: Research the Flow of Energy
Use the resources below to learn about the different components of energy flow in
an ecosystem.
 What is a producer? Producers, also called autotrophs, are organisms that
produce their own energy through photosynthesis (e.g., plants).
 What is a consumer? Consumers, or heterotrophs, are organisms that
obtain energy by eating other organisms. They can be herbivores, carnivores,
omnivores, or scavengers.
  What is a decomposer? Decomposers are organisms like fungi and bacteria
that break down dead matter, recycling nutrients and releasing energy back
into the ecosystem.
Resources to use:
 National Geographic: Energy Flow in Ecosystems
 Khan Academy: Ecosystem Energy Flow
 BBC Bitesize: Food Chains and Webs
Step 2: Explore Food Chains and Food Webs
A food chain represents a simple flow of energy, while a food web shows how
energy flows through a more complex network of organisms.
 Learn how energy moves from producers to primary consumers, secondary
consumers, and so on.
 Explore examples of food chains in different ecosystems (forest, ocean,
grassland).
 Learn how food webs are interconnected networks of food chains.
Resources to use:
 PBS: Energy Flow in Food Chains
 Science Kids: Food Chains and Food Webs
Step 3: Learn About the Energy Pyramid
Energy decreases as you move up through the trophic levels in an ecosystem. In the
energy pyramid, the producers have the most energy, while higher-level
consumers have less. Only about 10% of the energy at one trophic level is passed to
the next level.
 Review how energy is transferred through the pyramid and why the base of
the pyramid (producers) holds the most energy.
 Create (DO NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM THE COMPUTER) an energy
pyramid to show the flow of energy in a simple ecosystem.
Resources to use:
 Energy Pyramid Explanation from Biology Online
 Khan Academy: Energy Pyramids
Step 4: Create Your Presentation
Now that you've completed your research, it's time to create your presentation.
1. Create (DO NOT COPY AND PASTE FROM THE COMPUTER) a food chain and
food web diagram to illustrate how energy flows through different
 organisms. Make sure your arrows are pointing in the right direction. We have
studied several biomes and ecosystems, choose one as your focus. Make your
food chain and food web using animals and plants from that specific biome or
ecosystem. Be sure to identify the biome or ecosystem you chose.
2. Draw an energy pyramid showing how energy decreases as it moves up
trophic levels. Organisms in the energy pyramid should reflect the biome or
ecosystem chosen.
3. Write a brief explanation describing the flow of energy in your chosen
ecosystem. Be sure to include the roles of producers, consumers, and
decomposers. Explain how energy flow might be impacted by changes in the
environment (e.g., deforestation, pollution).
You can use the following tools to create your diagrams and presentation:
 Google Slides
 Microsoft Word
 PowerPoint
Step 5: Share Your Work
Submit your digital presentation to the teacher or upload it to the class portal. Be
prepared to explain your diagrams and answer any questions.
Evaluation:
Your project will be graded based on the following criteria:
 Understanding of Energy Flow: Demonstrates a clear understanding of
energy flow through producers, consumers, and decomposers.
 Accuracy of Diagrams: The food chain, food web, and energy pyramid are
clearly illustrated and scientifically accurate.
 Explanation of Concepts: A clear, well-organized written explanation of the
energy flow in the ecosystem, with accurate information.
 Creativity and Effort: Use of visuals and presentation tools to make the
project engaging and informative.
Conclusion:
Congratulations on completing the WebQuest on the flow of energy in an
ecosystem! By understanding how energy moves through ecosystems, you now
have a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the vital
roles that producers, consumers, and decomposers play in maintaining a balanced
ecosystem.
Extension Activity:
 Investigate a specific ecosystem (forest, ocean, desert) and how energy
flows differently in that ecosystem. You can create a new presentation on how
energy flow might be impacted by changes in the environment (e.g.,
deforestation, pollution).