Movement of Energy and Matter in Ecosystems - Unit 2 Lessons 3-4

Watch this video from Khan Academy to help better understand the concepts of energy pyramids, and nutrient cycles. These concepts are discussed in more detail on the Instructions slides of Lessons 3 and 4 in Unit 2.

Keep these questions in mind as you watch the video.

1. What is a trophic level?
2. According to the law of conservation of energy, energy is not created and not destroyed; there is a constant amount of energy in the universe. What happens to the energy that is not retained in each trophic level as it flows through an ecosystem?
3. How does the movement of matter compare to the movement of energy through an ecosystem?

If you’d like to watch more, check out this video from the Amoeba Sisters for a clearer understanding of the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle.