Energy flow in ecosystems

Front

What are consumers that eat only animals called?

Back

Carnivores

Front

What is the process that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen?

Back

Photosynthesis

Front

What is the carrying capacity of an ecosystem?

Back

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain.

Front

What type of population growth is characterized by a rapid increase in numbers?

Back

Rapid growth

Front

In a food web, what is the term for organisms that eat primary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems?

Back

The Sun

Front

What do we call organisms that produce their own food through photosynthesis?

Back

Producers

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

They break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil.

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Front

What is the difference between herbivores and carnivores?

Back

Herbivores eat plants, while carnivores eat other animals.