Ch. 4 Sec. 1 Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (air, water, soil) and each other.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

How do producers obtain energy?

Back

Producers obtain energy primarily through the process of photosynthesis, where they convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are organisms that eat only plants. They are the first level of consumers in a food chain.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of water and carbon dioxide.

Front

What is the role of sunlight in an ecosystem?

Back

Sunlight is the primary energy source for ecosystems, driving the process of photosynthesis in producers.

Front

What are the different levels of consumers in an ecosystem?

Back

The levels of consumers include primary consumers (herbivores), secondary consumers (carnivores that eat herbivores), and tertiary consumers (carnivores that eat other carnivores).

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, showing how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

Front

What are biotic factors?

Back

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.