Phyllis Young

• The goal of this assignment is to relate the concepts of trophic levels with energy and biomass pyramids to your own life.  Compile a list of every food item you consume in one day- breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages.  After creating the list of food consumed, label each item as either from a producer, a primary consumer (e. g. cow), or secondary or higher consumer (e. g. fish).  If the food item contains both producers and consumers, note both and guess approximately how much of each is consumed.  Also label each item describing the trophic level (1, 2, 3, 4).   Include your labeled list in your paper. Look at your results and discuss the following issues:   

Based upon frequency how often does your diet come from producers and how often from consumers? Trophic levels also correspond to energy levels in an ecosystem.  Answer both of the following questions. When considering energy issues in a biomass pyramid of an ecosystem, if you ate more producers, would this increase or decrease the percentage of the biomass pyramid necessary to support your survival?  Discuss why.  Also, if you ate more food from consumers, would this increase or decrease the percentage of the biomass pyramid necessary to support your survival?  Explain why.  Cite all of your references. Please remember to type your name on the paper. Post your essay to the Dropbox in D2L.  The paper is due Sunday at midnight, central time. (Note: This paper does not have a minimum length but future ones may. If this requirement pertains it will be included in the assignment for that paper).