Chapter 11, Problem 1QR

To determine

The species from each trophic level from producers to apex predator in a food web.

Answer to Problem 1QR

The level of food web is a series of a number of steps called the trophic level that starts from producer to apex predator. Herbivores such as insects and carnivores such as birds and cats are examples found at the trophic level. The organisms assimilate or supply energy from one level to the next level either by using or producing energy in any form.

Explanation of Solution

The ecosystem is the system which is consists of biotic and abiotic components. The biotic component possesses the energy transformation that comprises the food web of different individuals. The trophic level is represented by the food pyramid starting from the primary producers to the apex predators through several intermediates. Producers are the organism that makes their food through photosynthesis. For example, autotrophic algae and plants are producers. The apex predators are the top carnivorous animals occupying the highest trophic level.

The level is represented as given below:

Producers → Herbivorous (primary consumers such as insects) → carnivorous (secondary or tertiary consumers such as birds and cats) → Apex predators (such as wolves and lions).

The energy transferred is lost within each trophic level. Food web is different from the food chain in that one organism can be dependent upon different organisms of the food chain.