Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

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What is matter?

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Matter is anything that has mass and takes up space. It includes solids, liquids, and gases.

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What is energy?

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Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. It can exist in various forms, such as light, heat, and motion.

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What are ecosystems?

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Ecosystems are communities of living organisms interacting with their environment, including both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.

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What are biotic factors?

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

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What are abiotic factors?

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Abiotic factors are the non-living components of an ecosystem, such as rocks, water, air, and sunlight.

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to recycle matter in the ecosystem.

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How does energy flow in an ecosystem?

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Energy flows through an ecosystem from the sun to producers (plants) and then to consumers (animals) and decomposers.

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What is the source of all energy in an ecosystem?

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The sun is the primary source of energy for almost all ecosystems.

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What happens if a species is removed from an ecosystem?

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Removing a species can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to overpopulation of some species and decline of others.

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What is a food chain?

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

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