AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -At the bottom of the pyramid, you have producers. These are usually plants or other photosynthetic organisms, such as algae or photosynthetic bacteria. Producers are autotrophs, meaning they are self-feeding organisms that do so by making their own organic molecules.

Detailed explanation-2: -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.

Detailed explanation-3: -At the pyramid base are the producers, autotrophic organisms that make their own food from inorganic substances. All of the other organisms in the energy pyramid are consumers.

Detailed explanation-4: -Plants and algae are examples of producers. They are at the bottom of the food chain because they are eaten by other organisms, and they don’t need to eat for energy. Producers make their own food through the process of photosynthesis instead of eating organic matter. Sunlight is what plants use to make ATP.

Detailed explanation-5: -On a trophic pyramid, we place the decomposers in a special place along the side of the pyramid (as seen in your homework and notes) because they are responsible for breaking down the dead organisms at all trophic levels into small molecules called nutrients.