Science 3 Flashcards
ecological pyramid
show the relative amount of energy or matter contained within each trophic level in a given food chain or food web
What does the pyramid of energy illustrate?
It shows the relative amount of energy available at each trophic level of a food chain or food web
biomass
total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level
what does a pyramid of biomass illustrate?
it illustrates the relative amount of living organic matter available at each trophic level in an ecosystem
what does a pyramid of numbers illustrate?
a pyramid of numbers shows the relative number of individual organisms at each trophic level in an ecosystem
biogeochemical cycles
process in which elements, chemical compounds, and other forms of matter are passed from one organism to another and from one part of the biosphere to another
biotic factor
any living part of the environment with which an organism might interact, including animals, plants, mushrooms, and bacteria
abiotic factor
any nonliving part of the environment, such as sunlight, heat, precipitation, humidity, wind or water currents, soil type, and so on
carnivore
kill and eat other animals
ex. dog, cat, snake
herbivore
obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant leaves, roots, seeds, or fruits
ex. cows, caterpillars, deer
scavengers
consume the carcasses of other animals that have been killed by predators or have died of other causes
ex. vulture
omnivores
eat both plants and animals
ex. humans, bears, pigs
detrivores
feed on detritus particles
ex. earthworm
decomposers
chemically break down organic matter
ex. bacteria, fungi
Photosythesis
captures light energy and uses it to power chemical reactions that connect carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches
