AboutRichard Ochs Expertise I can answer questions regarding basic ecology (grade
school through high school). I can also answer some
college level questions as long as they aren't extremely technical.
Experience I had been a Park Ranger/Naturalist at Grand Teton National Park for 3 summers. Prior to that I was a naturalist for 4 summers at Cattus Island County Park in New Jersey. I also graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Natural Resource Management.
Education/Credentials BS in Natural Resource Management from Rutgers University, with honors.
Awards and Honors Philip Alampi Scholar, Moorestown Rotary Scholar, Golden Key National Honor Society member.
Question Is more energy lost from an ecosystem when a herbivore eats a plant or when a carnivore eats an animal? Why?
Answer That is a good question, Monica. Generally it should be when an herbivore eats a plant, and that is because the further down the food "chain" you get, the less energy is left. So the very beginning of the chain is the Sun, which has the most energy. Some of that energy is lost in the atmosphere, but some is converted into food by plants performing photosynthesis. After that an herbivore eats the plant, but then is expending energy walking around, competing with other herbivores, and raising young. When it finally is consumed by a carnivore, much of the energy it gained from the plants it ate is burned up in its every day life.
I hope that answers your question, and if not please post a follow up.
