1. Which of the following statements describes the energy changes involved in an ecosystem?

1. The largest animals usually provide the energy for smaller animals and for plants in a given ecosystem.
2. The sun's energy is made available to an ecosystem by the plants in that ecosystem.
3. The energy for living plants and animals in an ecosystem comes mainly from dead animals, which are broken down by decomposers.
4. In an ecosystem, the smaller organisms require more energy than larger organisms.

Explanation:   On the GEPA matrix, sample item #1 fits into cell C,3, Systems/Ecology &
                         Environment.  This sample item was derived from the GEPA Content/Skill
                         Outlines 5.1.4.5.6 and 5.12.4.5.6.7 & 5.6.11. On page 8, the Knowledge
                         Statement for 5.1.4.5.6 says," An ecosystem must contain a constant supply of
                         energy which is available to all organisms within the ecosystem.  The energy
                         must flow from organism to organism through a food web." On page 24, the
                         Knowledge Statement for 5.12.4.5.6.7 & 5.6.11 says, "An ecosystem must
                         contain a constant supply of energy which is available to all organisms within
                         the ecosystem.  The energy must flow from organism to organism through a
                         food web."