Energy Dynamics Between Producers and Consumers

Explore how energy moves through ecosystems using a model system of caterpillars and Brussels sprouts. Work with randomly generated data as you measure how much energy is stored as biomass. Apply your understanding of energy dynamics to examine how shifts in energy availability can influence population survival and community structure. Want to learn more about primary productivity? Visit the simulation Energy Dynamics and Net Primary Productivity Virtual Lab.

Related resources

Topics

  • AP
  • AP Biology
  • AP Bio
  • next generation science standards
  • NGSS
  • energy dynamics
  • trophic level
  • producer
  • consumer
  • primary productivity
  • trophic pyramid
  • population
  • 10% rule
  • autotroph
  • heterotroph
  • biomass
  • NPP
  • first law of thermodynamics
  • second law of thermodynamics
  • food chain