Cycling of Matter in an Ecosystem

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

A decomposer is an organism that breaks down decaying organisms and returns nutrients to the soil.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms that use energy from the Sun to turn carbon dioxide and water into glucose (sugar) and oxygen.

Front

What is a consumer?

Back

A consumer is an organism that must eat other living things to gain energy.

Front

What is a carnivore?

Back

A carnivore is a type of consumer that eats only other animals.

Front

What is a herbivore?

Back

A herbivore is a type of consumer that eats only plants.

Front

What is an omnivore?

Back

An omnivore is a type of consumer that eats both plants and animals.

Front

What are decomposers important for in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers are important because they break down dead matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is soil in the context of an ecosystem?

Back

Soil is a nonliving part of the ecosystem that provides nutrients and a habitat for many organisms.

Front

What is the food chain?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem?

Back

Living parts include plants, animals, and microorganisms, while nonliving parts include soil, water, and sunlight.