STAAR 5th grade Science Ecosystem Vocabulary

Front

What is the process by which animals use oxygen and food to make energy and carbon dioxide?

Back

Oxygen-Carbon Dioxide Cycle

Front

What do we call a connection of food chains with many food energy paths in an ecosystem?

Back

food web

Front

What is an animal that gets energy by eating both plants and animals called?

Back

omnivore

Front

What is the path of food energy from one organism to another in an ecosystem?

Back

flow of energy

Front

What do we call an organism that hunts and feeds on another organism?

Back

Predator

Front

What is the term for an organism that is hunted and eaten by another organism?

Back

Prey

Front

What do we call a series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food?

Back

food chain

Front

What is the term for animals that only eat plants?

Back

herbivore

Front

What is the term for animals that only eat other animals?

Back

carnivore

Front

What is the role of a decomposer in an ecosystem?

Back

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