It is used and dispersed. Nutrients, however, are cycled through the system. They will need to refer to the Eltonian Pyramid here. A model should be available for them. This will be the most interesting research project.
Aquatic animals are much smaller and the resulting food web can become quite intricate.
We have spent five days discussing the model of an ecosystem and a food web. On a piece of paper, tell me where man can be found in this model and why he is found there. This will allow time for the students to reacquaint themselves with their natural surroundings. The difference in numbers has an order of magnitude of 10. The University of Tennessee at Martin is not responsible for the information or views expressed here.