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5 Dec 2025
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Exploring Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Molly Hutton
@mollyhutton
1 / 10
N5 Unit 3 KA4: Energy in Ecosystems
This section focuses on energy flow within ecosystems as part of your N5 Biology course. You'll explore how energy moves through food chains and why ecosystems are structured the way they are.
Energy transfer is fundamental to understanding why food webs look the way they do. This knowledge helps explain everything from population sizes to conservation strategies.
Key Point: Energy flow determines the structure and function of all ecosystems on our planet.
Course Structure Overview
The N5 Biology course covers three main units: Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms, and Life on Earth. Unit 3 (Life on Earth) is where you'll study how organisms interact with their environment.
Within Unit 3, you'll cover ecosystems, organism distribution, photosynthesis, energy flow, food production, and evolution. Each topic builds on the others to give you a complete picture of life on Earth.
Understanding energy in ecosystems connects directly to climate change, conservation, and sustainable food production - issues that affect your future.
Energy Loss in Food Chains
Here's the crucial fact: when energy transfers from one trophic level to the next, about 90% gets lost. This energy disappears through three main routes: heat production, movement, and undigested materials.
Think of it like a leaky bucket - most energy literally vanishes before reaching the next level. This is why you need millions of grass plants to support just one hawk.
Only about 10% of energy actually gets used for growth, which means it's the only energy available for the next level up. This tiny percentage explains why food chains rarely have more than four or five levels.
Remember: Energy loss explains why there are always more prey animals than predators in any ecosystem.
Pyramids of Numbers vs Energy
Pyramids of numbers show how many organisms exist at each trophic level, but they can look weird. You might see an inverted pyramid if one large tree supports hundreds of insects.
Pyramids of energy always form proper pyramid shapes because they show actual energy content rather than just counting organisms. These give a much more accurate picture of ecosystem structure.
Energy pyramids are more reliable for understanding ecosystems because they account for the actual biomass and energy content. A single large organism might contain more energy than hundreds of smaller ones.
The irregular shapes you sometimes see in number pyramids disappear when you convert them to energy pyramids - they always show the classic pyramid structure.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Energy Flow in Ecosystems
Molly Hutton
@mollyhutton
Ever wondered why there are so few apex predators like lions compared to the millions of plants in an ecosystem? It's all about energy flow and how most energy gets lost as it moves up food chains. This topic explains... Show more
N5 Unit 3 KA4: Energy in Ecosystems
This section focuses on energy flow within ecosystems as part of your N5 Biology course. You'll explore how energy moves through food chains and why ecosystems are structured the way they are.
Energy transfer is fundamental to understanding why food webs look the way they do. This knowledge helps explain everything from population sizes to conservation strategies.
Key Point: Energy flow determines the structure and function of all ecosystems on our planet.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Course Structure Overview
The N5 Biology course covers three main units: Cell Biology, Multicellular Organisms, and Life on Earth. Unit 3 (Life on Earth) is where you'll study how organisms interact with their environment.
Within Unit 3, you'll cover ecosystems, organism distribution, photosynthesis, energy flow, food production, and evolution. Each topic builds on the others to give you a complete picture of life on Earth.
Understanding energy in ecosystems connects directly to climate change, conservation, and sustainable food production - issues that affect your future.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Energy Loss in Food Chains
Here's the crucial fact: when energy transfers from one trophic level to the next, about 90% gets lost. This energy disappears through three main routes: heat production, movement, and undigested materials.
Think of it like a leaky bucket - most energy literally vanishes before reaching the next level. This is why you need millions of grass plants to support just one hawk.
Only about 10% of energy actually gets used for growth, which means it's the only energy available for the next level up. This tiny percentage explains why food chains rarely have more than four or five levels.
Remember: Energy loss explains why there are always more prey animals than predators in any ecosystem.
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Pyramids of Numbers vs Energy
Pyramids of numbers show how many organisms exist at each trophic level, but they can look weird. You might see an inverted pyramid if one large tree supports hundreds of insects.
Pyramids of energy always form proper pyramid shapes because they show actual energy content rather than just counting organisms. These give a much more accurate picture of ecosystem structure.
Energy pyramids are more reliable for understanding ecosystems because they account for the actual biomass and energy content. A single large organism might contain more energy than hundreds of smaller ones.
The irregular shapes you sometimes see in number pyramids disappear when you convert them to energy pyramids - they always show the classic pyramid structure.
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
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Xander S
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Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user