3.1-3.3 - ecology & energy, producers, & consumers Flashcards
What does the biosphere consist of?
All life on Earth, everywhere where life exists.
The biosphere extends _ kilometers above earth surface to __ kilometers below Earth’s surface.
8; 11
What is ecology? (Hint: the scientific study of interactions among what and between what?)
the scientific study of interactions among organisms and between organisms and their physical environment
What is an environment?
The conditions, or factors, surrounding an organism.
Describe the interaction between organisms and their environments. (Hint: what do organisms do to their environment? What do they also do? What do organisms produce as a result of this?)
Organisms respond to their environment and can also change their environment, producing an ever changing or dynamic biosphere.
What are biotic factors?
Biological influences on organisms.
What is an example of a biotic factor?
Tadpole eats algae, bullfrog eats insects, horn eats bullfrogs —> competition between species for frog.
What are abiotic factors?
the physical components of an ecosystem
What is an example of an abiotic factor?
It is a physical, outside, external condition. Like how water availability will affect the bullfrog.
What do organisms rely on?
energy
What is the main source of energy?
sunlight
How do autotrophs acquire energy?
they use chemical (solar) energy to produce “food” by assembling inorganic compounds into complex inorganic molecules
Are autotrophs producers or consumers?
Autotrophs are primary producers. They store energy for other organisms.
How do heterotrophs acquire energy?
Most heterotrophs acquire energy from other organisms.
Are heterotrophs producers or consumers?
Heterotrophs are consumer organisms that rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients.
What is a primary producer? (Hint: An autotroph that stores what?)
An autotroph that stores energy in forms that make it available for other organisms.
What is a carnivore?
Carnivores kill and eat other animals. Catching and killing prey can be difficult and requires energy, but meat is generally rick in nutrients and energy is easy to digest.
What is a herbivore?
Herbivores obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant leaves, roots, seeds, or fruits. Common herbivores include cows, caterpillars, and deer.
What is a decomposer?
Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, “feed” by chemically breaking down organic matter, The decay caused by decomposers is part of the process that produces detritus—small pieces of dead and decaying plant and animal remains.
What is an omnivore?
Omnivores are animals whose diets naturally include a variety of different foods that usually include both plants and animals.
What is a scavenger?
Scavengers are animals that consume the carcasses of other animals that have been killed by the predators or have died of other causes.
What is a detritivore?
Detritivores feed on detritus particles, often chewing or grinding them into even smaller pieces. Many types of mites, snails, shrimp, and crabs are detrivores. Detritivores commonly digest decomposers that live on, and in, detritus particles.
Energy in an ecosystem always flows from _______ _________ to ______ _______.
primary producers to various consumers
What is a food chain (hint: a series of ____)?
a series of steps in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten.
