The Living World - Ecosystem Case Study: Freshwater Ponds

Question 1

Producers

Answer 1

Producers use energy from the Sun for photosynthesis and grow.
Algae are examples of producers in freshwater ponds.

Question 2

Consumers

Answer 2

Consumers get their energy from eating producers like algae.

Stickleback fish are an example of consumers in freshwater ponds

Question 3

Decomposers

Answer 3

When producers and consumers die they will fall to the pond bottom and rot.
Decomposers help to break down and release the nutrients in dead producers and consumers.
The nutrients released by decomposers are used by plants in nutrient cycling.
Rat-tailed maggots are an example of decomposers.

Question 4

The food chain

Answer 4

The passage of energy from producers to consumers forms part of a food chain.