This response demonstrates a full and complete understanding of the problem. Biotic factors are listed (food source; amount of predators); abiotic factors are listed and described (weather, temperature, pH of the water which may drive away its food source, and oxygen content of the water). Trophic levels are identified (algae is a producer because it creates it own food, and the bacteria are decomposers). The response demonstrates synthesis through the recognition that levels may vary depending on how the web is followed (the heron is a 2nd, 3rd and 4th level consumer; these levels may sometimes depend on the specific food chain being followed). The discussion of energy transfer begins at the producer and describes energy loss through the web (The energy starts with the producer, algae. When algae is eaten, 10% of its energy is transferred to the next level. Every time another organism is eaten, 10% of its energy is passed on to the next level. This will happen until there is virtually no energy left). The primary and secondary effects of the loss of the heron are explained (the population of the snapper would increase and eat many crabs and shrimp so as to reduce their populations. The snapper would then run out of resources and decrease as well). This shows a synthesis of information and integrates pertinent supporting details.  view all anchor papers at this score level
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