Pre Assessment Ecosystems: Flow of Energy and Matter

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herbivore

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An animal that eats only plants.

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matter

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An element, material, or substance that has mass and takes up space. In an ecosystem, biotic and abiotic matter are recycled over and over.

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consumer

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An organism that consumes, or eats, a plant or animal for energy.

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ecologist

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A scientist who studies the relationship between organisms and their environments.

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glucose

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A type of sugar; the main source of plant food for growth.

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producer

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An organism, usually a plant, that creates energy through photosynthesis.

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decomposer

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An organism that breaks down dead plants or animals and returns nutrients to the soil.

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ecosystem

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A community of living organisms and their interactions with their environment.

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photosynthesis

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The process by which green plants use sunlight to make food from carbon dioxide and water.

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food chain

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A series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.