Ecology Flashcards

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Autotroph

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An organism that can capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own food from inorganic compounds, called a producer.

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Primary producer

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The first producer of energy-rich compounds that are later used by organisms.

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Photosynthesis

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The process used by plants and other autotrophs to capture light energy and use it to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches.

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Chemosynthesis

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A process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates.

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Heterotroph

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An organism that obtains food by consuming other living things, also called consumers.

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Consumer

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An organism that relies on other organisms for its energy and food supply; called a heterotroph.

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Detritus

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Material made up of decaying bits of plants and animal matter.

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Food chain

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A series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten.

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Phytoplankton

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Photosynthetic algae found near the surface of the ocean.

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Food web

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A network of complex interactions formed by the feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.