Ecosystems Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a natural system made up of plants, animals, and the environment in which there are often complex interrelationships (links) between the living and non-living components.
What are biotic components of an ecosystem?
the living features of an ecosystem such as plants and fish
What are abiotic components of an ecosystem?
non-living environmental factors
What are examples of abiotic components of an ecosystem?
climate (temperature and rainfall)
soil
water temperature
light
What different scales can ecosystes be identified as?
local small-scale ecosystem
global-scale ecosystem
What are examples of a local small-scale ecosystem?
pond
hedgerow
woodland
What are examples of a global-scale ecosystem?
tropical rainforest
deciduous woodland
What are global ecosystems called?
biomes
Define producers
Producers convert energy from the environment (mainly sunlight) into sugars (glucose)
What is an example of producers?
plants that convert energy from the Sun by photosynthesis
Define consumers
consumers get energy from the sugars produced by the producers
Define decomposers
Decomposers break down plant and animal material and return the nutrients to the soil
What are examples of decomposers?
bacteria and fungi
Define food chain
A food chain shows direct links between producers and consumers in the form of a simple line diagram
Define food web
A food web shows all the connections between producers and consumers in a more complex way
