The energy flow in the the ocean's ecosystems are varied and complex. Most of the energy in the ocean begins with a photosynthetic organism such as a algae. Some of the energy begins with chemical energy such as sulfur-fixing bacteria at hydrothermal vents. In most energy transformations, less than ten percent of energy is passed on to the next organism. When the food chain is modeled in the form of the amount of energy aquired when one organism consumes another organism, scientist use a food energy pyramid.

Try It!

The following activity requires that you build four energy pyramids that have three levels each. The pyramids shown below have four sides on them. Each side is to represent a different energy pyramid. Each pyramid should start with a producer that receives its energy from chemical sources or light sources at the base of the pyramid. You will need to research the different food chains for this activity.

The following food chain locations should be represented:

• Intertidal zone - possible organisms: rock algae, barnicles, starfish, moray eel
• Open ocean zone - possible organisms: photoplankton, zooplankton, krill, blue whale
• Heat vent zone - possible organisms: sulfur fixing bacteria, mussles, octopus, sperm whale
• Another ocean zone of your choice - possible organisms: kelp, sea urchins, star fish, grouper

Procedure:

1. Print the pyramid cutout.
2. Research and determine the organisms that will be on each of your four energy pyramids.
3. Draw each organism in the correct location on its energy pyramid.
4. Color the organisms you have drawn.
5. Label each organism in all pyramids.
6. You may only use humans on one energy pyramid.
7. Cut, fold, and tape your pyramid to form a four-sided pyramid.

Analysis:

1. How did the organisms vary with each of your four energy pyramids?
2. Compare your pyramid with a that of a friend's pyramid.
   • What similar organisms did you both use?
   • How were your energy pyramids different from each other?