Energy flow in food chains
Only about 10% of energy passes to each next level.
The common mistake
Drawing arrows from predator to prey, or thinking energy is recycled like nutrients.
Instead: Arrows show where energy goes (eaten → eater). About 90% is lost at each step as heat and movement.
Worked example with Guide me
Grass holds 10,000 J. About how much reaches a fox in grass → rabbit → fox?
- Sugar · Energy reaching the rabbit?Student · About 1,000 J.
- Sugar · And the fox?Student · About 100 J.
Answer: About 100 J
Try 3 practice questions
1. Which way do arrows point in a food chain?
Show answer
From the food to the feeder
2. What is the first organism usually?
Show answer
A producer (plant)
3. Where does most lost energy go?
Show answer
Heat from respiration, movement, waste
Quick answers
- What is the most common mistake with energy flow in food chains?
- Drawing arrows from predator to prey, or thinking energy is recycled like nutrients.
- How do I get energy flow in food chains right?
- Arrows show where energy goes (eaten → eater). About 90% is lost at each step as heat and movement.
- Can you show a worked example?
- Grass holds 10,000 J. About how much reaches a fox in grass → rabbit → fox? About 100 J
Related concepts
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