energy flow in ecosystems Flashcards
define autotrophic organisms.
plants that contain chlorophyll and are able to manufacture organic food from carbon dioxide and water, by means of photosynthesis.
define heterothrophic organisms.
animals or other organisms without chlorophyll, such as a fungus and is dependent on pants for organic food.
what is a predator?
an animal that naturally preys on others.
what is a carnivore?
an animal that feeds on other animals.
what is an omnivore?
an animal or person that eats a variety of food of both plant and animal origin.
what is an insectivore?
an animal that feeds on insects, worms, and other invertebrates.
what is a decomposer?
an organism that breaks down dead organic material.
what is a herbivore?
an animal that feeds on plants to get its energy.
what is a primary consumer?
an animal that feeds on plants.
also known as a herbivore.
what is a producer?
an organism that produces organic compounds from simple substances such as water and carbon dioxide; an autotroph.
what is a secondary consumer?
largely carnivores that feed on the primary consumers or herbivores.
what is a scavenger?
an animal that feeds on carrion, dead plant material, or refuse.
define a food chain
a series of organisms that feed on other organisms
define energy flow
when energy flows from one organism to the next
define a trophic level
the position of an organism in a food chain or ecological pyramid occupied by a group of organisms with similar mode of eating
