Organism that is able to capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and use it to produce its own food from inorganic compounds; also called a producer.

• Autotroph

• primary producer

• photosynthesis

• chemosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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

• Autotroph

• Primary producer

• Photosynthesis

• Chemosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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.

• Autotroph

• Primary Producer

• Photosynthesis

• Chemosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

Process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates.

• Autotroph

• Primary producer

• Photosynthesis

• Chemosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

organism that obtains food by consuming other living things; also called a consumer.

• heterotroph

• consumer

• detritus

• produce

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

• heterotroph

• consumer

• detritus

• produce

small pieces of dead or decaying plant or animal remains.

• heterotroph

• consumer

• detritus

• produce

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

• food chain

• phytoplankton

• food web

• Autotroph

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

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

• food chain

• phytoplankton

• food web

• heterotroph

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Each step in a food chain or food web.

• adjust

• trophic

• ecological pyramid

• biomass

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3