Chapter 3 Vocab

Question 1

Ecology

Answer 1

The study of organisms in the biosphere and and how the interact with each other, their surroundings, and their environment.

Question 2

Autotrophs

Answer 2

Organism that is able to capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own inorganic compounds. Also called a producer.

Question 3

Photosynthesis

Answer 3

“captures light energy and uses it to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches. This process adds oxygen to the atmosphere and removes carbon dioxide.”

Question 4

Chemosynthesis

Answer 4

Chemical energy is used to carry out carbohydrates.

Question 5

Heterotrophs or consumer

Answer 5

Acquire energy from the environment and other organisms

Question 6

Carnivores

Answer 6

Kill and eat other animals

Question 7

Herbivores

Answer 7

Eat plants, seeds,fruits,ect.

Question 8

Scavengers

Answer 8

Consume carcasses of other animals

Question 9

Omnivores

Answer 9

Includes a diet of both plants and animals.

Question 10

Decomposers

Answer 10

Feed by chemically breaking down organic matter

Question 11

Detirivores

Answer 11

Feed on detritvous particles

Question 12

Food chain

Answer 12

Series of steps in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

Question 13

Phytoplankton

Answer 13

Photosynthesic algae near the surface of the ocean

Question 14

Food web

Answer 14

Network of complex interactions formed by the feeding relationships among the various organisms in an ecosystem

Question 15

Ecological pyramids

Answer 15

Illustration of the relative amounts of energy and matter contained within each trophic level in a given food chain or web

Question 16

biogeochemical cycles

Answer 16

Process in which elements, chemical compounds, and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to the other and one biosphere to the other

Question 17

Nutrients

Answer 17

Chemical substance an organism needs to stay alive

Question 18

Nitrogen fixation

Answer 18

Process of converting nitrogen gas into nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb and use

Question 19

Denitrification

Answer 19

Process by which bacteria convert nitrates into nitrogen gas

Question 20

Biological process

Answer 20

Activities preformed by living organisms

Question 21

Geological

Answer 21

Geological changes in the Earth

Question 22

Physical/chemical

Answer 22

Ex. Lightening, clouds

Question 23

Human

Answer 23

Human actions that affect cycles on a global school

Question 24

Biosphere

Answer 24

All life on earth and all part of earth in which life exists.