Disruptions in food chains, like losing a predator or bringing in a new species, can really change how energy flows in nature.
Energy Transfer: In food chains, each level passes on about 10% of its energy to the next level. So, if a primary consumer, like a rabbit, is gone, plants get less energy because there are fewer animals eating them.
Trophic Cascade: This can lead to too many plants growing, which can use up all the resources and mess up the whole ecosystem.
For example, when wolves were removed from Yellowstone, elk started to overeat the plants. This overgrazing led to less vegetation and affected other animals too.
Understanding these connections helps us see how delicate and balanced ecosystems really are!
Disruptions in food chains, like losing a predator or bringing in a new species, can really change how energy flows in nature.
Energy Transfer: In food chains, each level passes on about 10% of its energy to the next level. So, if a primary consumer, like a rabbit, is gone, plants get less energy because there are fewer animals eating them.
Trophic Cascade: This can lead to too many plants growing, which can use up all the resources and mess up the whole ecosystem.
For example, when wolves were removed from Yellowstone, elk started to overeat the plants. This overgrazing led to less vegetation and affected other animals too.
Understanding these connections helps us see how delicate and balanced ecosystems really are!