Dead Stuff: The Secret Ingredient in Our Food Chain

When you picture the lowest levels of the food chain, you might imagine herbivores happily munching on lush, living green plants. But this idyllic image leaves out a huge (and slightly less appetizing) source of nourishment: dead stuff. John C. Moore details the "brown food chain," explaining how such unlikely delicacies as pond scum and animal feces contribute enormous amounts of energy to our ecosystems.

Resource ID#: 118076 Type: Tutorial

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Direct Link: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/dead-stuff-the-secret-ingredient-in-our-food-chain-john-c-moore

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Subject(s): Science

Grade Level(s): 9, 10, 11, 12

Intended Audience: Students

Suggested Technology: Computers for Students, Internet Connection

Keywords: food chain, food web, detritus, organic matter, photosynthesis

Instructional Component Type(s): Tutorial

Resource Collection: Science - Biology - Grades 9-12 Existing Student Tutorials

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