Energy Flow Flashcards
What is the primary source of energy for our planet?
The sun
Most organisms must feed to gain energy, what does this allow for?
This allows for energy to flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem
What does flora include?
3
Plants
Seaweeds
Plankton
Approximately how much of sunlight is trapped by green plants?
Approximately 1% of energy
What is the sunlight trapped by green plants used for>
It is used to make food
Where is the sunlight energy stored in plants?
It is stored by plants in the chemical bonds of molecules such as glucose and starch
How much of the plant’s energy is passed on to organisms when they are eaten?
10% of a plants energy is passed on
What are all animals said to be?
They are all consumers
What do primary consumers feed on?
These feed on producers
Give three classifications of primary consumers
Herbivores
Decomposers
Detritus feeders
What are herbivores?
Animals that feed on vegetation
What are decomposers?
Organisms that feed on dead organic matter such as bacteria and fungi
Give two examples of decomposers.
Bacteria
Fungi
What are detritus feeders?
Organisms that feed on small parts of dead and decomposing plants and animals such as mussels and earthworms
Give two examples of detritus feeders.
Mussels
Earthworms
What are secondary consumers?
Animals that feed on primary consumers
Give two classifications of secondary consumers.
Carnivores
Scavengers
What are carnivores?
Meat-eaters
What are scavengers?
Organisms which feed on animals killed by other sources
What are tertiary consumers?
3
Organisms which feed on secondary consumers
They are not always present
If no other organisms feeds on them, they are called top consumers
What are omnivores?
Organisms that feed on both plants and animals are called omnivores
Give some examples of omnivores.
4
Gulls
Blackbirds
Badgers
Humans
Define producers.
Producers are organisms that carry out photosynthesis
Define flora
Flora is all the plants in an ecosystem
Define consumers.
Consumers are organisms that take in food from another organisms
Define fauna.
Fauna is all the animals in an ecosystem
Define decomposers,
Decomposers are organisms that feed on dead organic matter
Define detritus feeders,
Detritus feeders are organisms that feed on small pieces of dead organic matter
