Exploring Ecosystems

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What is an ecosystem?

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

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants and algae.

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What are consumers in an ecosystem?

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Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on eating other organisms for energy.

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What is a primary consumer?

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A primary consumer is an organism that eats producers; they are usually herbivores, like grasshoppers.

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What is a secondary consumer?

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A secondary consumer is an organism that eats primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

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What is a decomposer?

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Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, returning nutrients to the soil; examples include bacteria and fungi.

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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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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that shows how different organisms are related in an ecosystem.

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What is the role of the sun in an ecosystem?

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The sun is the primary source of energy for most ecosystems, providing the energy needed for photosynthesis.

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What is a habitat?

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A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives, including all living and non-living factors.