Lesson 9.1 Flashcards
All living things in the ecosystem need
energy
the transfer of energy loses most of its usable energy as heat; thus, energy never returns to the sun, and therefore, it is impossible for energy to cycle because it dissipates into the surrounding;
entropy
All matter in the ecosystem are made up of tiny particles called
atoms
The animals grow and survive by getting their nutrients from
plants
Plants also grow by getting nutrients from the
soil
Energy does not cycle through ecosystems; instead they move in
another direction
is comprised of trophic levels in which
the energy is transformed.
food chain
the ultimate source of energy on planet Earth.
energy from sunlight
green plants can manufacture organic compounds as sources of energy and nutrients
producer
get their nutrients and energy by feeding directly or indirectly on plants.
consumers
1st level consumers, are animals or insects whose primary food source is plants
herbivores
(Flesh eaters) are secondary consumers which feed on plant-eating animals.
carnivores
tertiary consumers, which feed on plants, herbivores, and carnivores.
omnivores
such as bacteria and fungi break down dead tissue or wastes and absorb their soluble nutrients
Decomposers
refers to the interconnected or interlocking relationships among various food chains in an ecosystem. Living things may feed on several members of the web
food web
Grazing food chain starts from _________
green plants to the grazing herbivores then to the carnivores
Detritus food chain starts from ____________ such as beetles, ants, and earthworms, and their predators.
decaying matter to microorganisms then to detritus-feeding organisms