Ecosystems NC5.L.2.2 (Part B)

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

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

Front

What is a producer?

Back

A producer is an organism, usually a plant, that makes its own food through photosynthesis using sunlight.

Front

What is a consumer?

Back

A consumer is an organism that cannot make its own food and must eat other organisms (plants or animals) to obtain energy.

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

A decomposer is an organism, such as bacteria or fungi, that breaks down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Front

What role do producers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers convert sunlight into energy, forming the base of the food chain and providing energy for consumers.

Front

What is a first-level consumer?

Back

A first-level consumer is an organism that eats producers; for example, a rabbit that eats grass.

Front

How do consumers and decomposers interact?

Back

Consumers provide nutrients to decomposers when they die, allowing decomposers to break down their bodies and recycle nutrients.

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 the role of the sun in an ecosystem?

Back

The sun provides the energy necessary for producers to create food through photosynthesis.

Front

What happens to predator populations if prey populations decrease?

Back

If prey populations decrease, predator populations are likely to decrease as well due to lack of food.