In an ecosystem, the energy is usually transferred through a linear path or a one-way stream. A food chain shows how energy is transferred using this way. For an instance, the solar energy is transferred to the producers such as plants so they can convert it into chemical energy. The chemical energy stored in producers are transferred to the consumers once they eat the plants. In other words, the energy transfer in a food chain can be compared to the links found in a chain.

The three types of ecological pyramids include the pyramid of number, which shows the number of individual organisms that exist at different trophic levels; the pyramid of biomass, which tell us the amount of living tissue or the total mass of organisms within each trophic level; and the pyramid of energy, which indicates the amount of energy at each trophic level and the actual role of each organisms in the process of energy transfer.

In the event that the crayfish would decrease in number, the consumers which feed on this organism will be affected. These consumers include the raccoon, the pig frog, and the anhinga. Since there would be a decrease in their food supply, they would fight over the remaining population of the crayfish. Those organisms which are not able to adapt to this condition would die. As a result, there would be a decrease in their numbers too. This can be compared to the domino effect or chain reaction. On the contrary, there would be an increase in the number of primary producers in which a crayfish normally feeds on for nourishment. Overall, any changes within the different trophic levels in this food web can destroy the balance in the ecosystem.

According to the energy pyramid, 10% of the energy is transferred from one trophic level into the next. If the primary producers, which is in the first level, contain 100% energy, the primary consumer would acquire 10% of the energy. In turn, the secondary consumer at the third trophic level would get 1%, while the fourth level would acquire 0.1%. Therefore, the organism at the fifth trophic level would get 0.01% energy.

In a marsh ecosystem, it provides plenty of water and plants that bear leaves, seeds, and fruits. These plants harness their own energy using the light from the sun; hence, they are called primary producers.

The abundance of primary producers in this ecosystem is the reason why most numbers of primary consumers stay in this wetland. For example, a white-tailed deer, which is a herbivore, consumes plants and grasses in this area. To ensure that the number of primary producers would never diminish, panthers attack the deer and eat them. Panthers, which are carnivores, are considered as secondary consumers since they feed on white-tailed deers.

In turn, when panthers die, they are eaten by vultures, which are scavengers. Scavengers consume the dead animal flesh and leave the carcass.

The remains left by the scavengers are often decomposed by organisms such as fungi, bacteria, and other decomposers. These organisms acquire the nutrients using chemical and biological processes instead of ingesting it.

On the other hand, detritivores, such as earthworms, ingest the decomposing plant and animal materials to get the energy and nutrients that they need.

The role of decomposers and detritivores in the ecosystem is the final link or the final stage of a food web. Decomposers break down the remains of a decaying organic matter and recycle the vital nutrients into the soil. Later on, these nutrients are absorbed by the plants. On the other hand, detritivores consume or ingest dead plant and animal matter. Both of their functions are compared to a garbage disposal unit. These organisms function to prevent the waste and decaying matter from piling up in the ecosystem.