Benchmark Vocabulary for Unit 1

Front

What is an organism that breaks down dead organisms and matter to release energy back into the ecosystem?

Back

Decomposer

Front

What is another term for a living thing?

Back

Organism

Front

What are the substances that all organisms need to survive?

Back

Nutrients

Front

What do we call an organism that gets its energy by eating other plants or animals?

Back

Consumer

Front

What term describes the closeness of an object to another object, such as a tree to a fire?

Back

Proximity

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between a consumer and a producer?

Back

Consumers obtain energy by eating other organisms, while producers create their own energy through photosynthesis.

Front

Can you name three types of nutrients that organisms need?

Back

Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Front

What is the significance of proximity in ecological interactions?

Back

Proximity can affect interactions such as competition, predation, and resource availability.

Front

How do nutrients cycle through an ecosystem?

Back

Nutrients are taken up by producers, passed to consumers, and returned to the soil by decomposers.