biotic factors Flashcards
what are biotic factors
living organisms
what are the producers in an ecosystem
green, chlorophyll-containing plants
why are green plants the producers
they convert radiant energy into a usable form during photosynthesis
why are green plants autotrophic organisms
they can trap energy and can make organic compounds from inorganic compounds
what are the consumers and why
heterotrophic organisms because they are dependent on the energy in organic compounds produced by photosynthesis
what are the primary consumers
herbivores or plant eaters
what are the secondary or tertiary consumers
carnivores or meat eaters
decomposers
fit into all levels to decompose dead matter
predators
hunt their prey, kill and eat it
scavengers
live from dead carcasses
opportunistic feeders
eat anything they can find
