Matter and Energy

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Producer

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An organism that makes its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis (e.g., plants, algae).

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Consumer

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An organism that eats other organisms for energy (e.g., animals).

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Decomposer

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An organism that breaks down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the ecosystem (e.g., fungi, bacteria).

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Herbivore

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An animal that eats only plants.

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Omnivore

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An animal that eats both plants and animals.

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Carnivore

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An animal that eats only other animals.

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Algae

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Simple, plant-like organisms that live in water and use sunlight to make food.

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Fungi

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Organisms, such as mushrooms and molds, that decompose organic material and absorb nutrients.

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Microbe

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A microscopic organism, such as bacteria or viruses.

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Microorganism

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A very small organism that can only be seen with a microscope (e.g., bacteria, protozoa).