Cycle of Matter in Ecosystems

Front

What happens to matter in an ecosystem when a plant or animal dies?

Back

It goes back to the environment.

Front

What is the direction of energy flow in an ecosystem?

Back

From the sun to producers, then to consumers, and finally to decomposers.

Front

What are consumers?

Back

Herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores that eat other organisms.

Front

What does a food web illustrate?

Back

How energy and matter move around between living and non-living parts of an ecosystem.

Front

What is the process by which decomposers recycle nutrients from dead plant or animal matter?

Back

Decomposition.

Front

What are producers?

Back

Organisms that capture sunlight and use it to convert water and carbon dioxide into food.

Front

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores?

Back

Herbivores eat plants, carnivores eat animals, and omnivores eat both.

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

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