Unit 6 Flashcards
Definition of Decomposition
he process by which decomposers break down dead material and waste into simpler substances
Definition of Energy pyramid
a diagram that demonstrates the flow of energy through a food chain
Definition of Photosynthesis
the process by which producers/plants use the energy in sunlight to create their own food
Definition of Trophic level
the position that an organism occupies in a food chain, food web, or energy pyramid
Definition of Chemical Energy
energy released from a substance, or absorbed in the formation of a chemical compound, during a chemical reaction
Definition of Consumer
animals that eat primary producers
Definition of Decomposer
an organism, especially a bacteria or fungus, that decomposes organic material.
Definition of Food Chain
a hierarchical series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
Definition of Food Web
a system of interlocking and interdependent food chains.
Definition of Producer
an organism that makes its own food from light energy or chemical energy without eating
Definition of Radiant Energy
the energy of electromagnetic waves (light energy)
Definition of Autotroph
an organism that can make its own food ex. Photosynthesis
Definition of Heterotroph
an organism that eats other plants or animals for energy and nutrients.
Definition of Thermal Energy
also known as heat energy, is the energy an object has because of the movement of its molecules
Definition of Mechanical Energy
the energy that is possessed by an object due to its motion
