Energy Flow Through Living Systems Flashcards
Food Chain
An energy path from one organism to another showing a linked series because each thing feeds on the one next to it in a series
Food Web
Overlapping food chains with different pathways for the flow of food energy in an ecosystem
Grazing Food Web
Energy flows from producers to consumers and finally to decomposers
Detrital Food Web
Energy from producers flows directly to decomposers as detritus or waste. The decomposers in turn break down the organic matter, furnishing food and energy for consumers.
Energy Pyramid
A pyramid that shows how much energy transfers to the next level in a food chain
Producers
Organisms that transform energy from the Sun and use carbon dioxide and water to make food
Consumers
Organisms that eat producers or other consumers to obtain energy
Decomposers
Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down dead organisms and organic wastes
Herbivores
Animals that only eat plants or plant products
Carnivores
Animals that eat other animals
Primary Consumers
Organisms that get their energy by feeding on producers
Secondary Consumers
Animals linked to the primary consumer in the food chain
Tertiary Consumers
Animals that get their energy only by eating secondary consumers
Organic Compounds
A compound that contains organic carbon and other atoms usually oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and/or sulfur
Molecule
Two or more atoms joined together
