Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers

Front

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

Back

A producer is an organism that gets its energy from the sun, typically through photosynthesis, and provides energy for consumers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Front

What is a consumer in an ecosystem?

Back

A consumer is an organism that gets its energy by eating plant or animal matter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available for producers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

Give an example of a producer.

Back

Plants, such as grass or trees, are examples of producers.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

Give an example of a primary consumer.

Back

Herbivores, such as rabbits or deer, are examples of primary consumers.

Front

Give an example of a secondary consumer.

Back

Carnivores, such as wolves or hawks, that eat primary consumers are examples of secondary consumers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What is the difference between a herbivore and a carnivore?

Back

Herbivores eat plants, while carnivores eat other animals.

Front

What is a scavenger?

Back

A scavenger is an animal that feeds on dead organisms, often acting as a decomposer.

Front

How do decomposers contribute to nutrient cycling?

Back

Decomposers break down dead matter, releasing nutrients back into the soil, which can then be used by producers.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Front

What is the energy flow in an ecosystem?

Back

Energy flows from producers to consumers and then to decomposers in a food chain.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3