SAT II Biology E : Trophic Levels and Energy Flow

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Biology E

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Species Relationships

Which of the following is an example of primary consumers?

Possible Answers:

Foxes eating squirrels 

Fungi that gain energy from detritus

Grass

Deer eating grass

Algae

Correct answer:

Deer eating grass

Explanation:

A primary consumer is any animal that consumes primary producers (autotrophs). Autotrophs consist of any creatures that create their own energy (in the form of sugars) from sunlight. Grass and algae would be considered autotrophs. Deer are the only animals shown here that consume autotrophs and are, therefore, primary consumers.

Example Question #1 : Ecology

Which of the following is not a primary producer?

Possible Answers:

Kelp

Mosses

Mushrooms

Grasses

Ferns

Correct answer:

Mushrooms

Explanation:

A mushroom is a decomposer and not a producer. All of the other options are photosynthetic producers.

Example Question #1 : Trophic Levels And Energy Flow

Which of the following would be considered a primary consumer?

Possible Answers:

Grass

Hawk

Rabbit

Fungus

Snake

Correct answer:

Rabbit

Explanation:

A primary consumer is a herbivore that consumes only producers or autotrophs. For this question, rabbits only eat plants and so they would be considered the primary consumers. Grass and other organisms that can manufacture their own food are classified as primary producers. Snakes and hawks hunt other animals (such as rabbits) for food, so they must be at least secondary consumers. Fungi break down dead organisms for nutrition and are thus classified as decomposers.

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