Energy Roles in the Ecosystem

Energy enters most ecosystems as _________________.

• sunlight

• water

• carbon dioxide

Organisms use the sun’s energy to recombine atoms from molecules of water and carbon dioxide into food molecules in a process called ___________________.

• photosynthesis

• respiration

• adaptation

An organism that can make its own food is a __________________.

• consumer

• producer

• decomposer

A _________________ obtains energy by feeding on other organisms.

• consumer

• producer

• decomposer

Consumers that eat only animals are _______________.

• carnivores

• herbivores

• omnivores

A scavenger is a carnivore that feeds on the bodies of dead organisms. (True or False)

• True

• False

• unknown

Grasshoppers, rabbits, and cows are carnivores. (True or False)

• True

• False

• Unknown

Consumers that eat both plants and animals are ________________.

• Carnivores

• Scavengers

• omnivores

_________________ break down biotic wastes and dead organisms, returning the raw materials to the ecosystem.

• Decomposers

• Producers

• Consumers

Mushrooms, bacteria, and mold are common producers. (True or False)

• True

• False

• Unknown