Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

Which of the following is a biotic part of an ecosystem?

• carbon dioxide

• water

• soil

• decomposers

Answer explanation

Decomposers include bacteria, fungi, and some animals so they are biotic (living).

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Which of the following is an abiotic part of an ecosystem?

• Producers like algae

• consumers like deer

• carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere

• the dead matter like dead leaves

Answer explanation

Carbon dioxide and water are not alive, making them abiotic. Dead matter is still biotic because it used to be alive.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Producers get their food molecules....

• By making them using photosynthesis

• By eating plants or animals

• By absorbing them from dead matter

Answer explanation

Producers like plants and algae make their own energy storage molecules using photosynthesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Examples of producers include (choose all correct)...

• plants

• mushrooms

• algae

• worms

Answer explanation

Both plants and algae do photosynthesis so they are producers

Consumers get their food molecules by...

• eating other living things

• making them using photosynthesis.

• absorbing them from dead matter.

Answer explanation

Consumers like deer, wolves, and humans eat to get our energy storage molecules.

Examples of consumers include....(choose all correct)

• Rabbits

• Trees

• Eagles

• Bacteria

Answer explanation

Rabbits and eagles both eat for energy so they are consumers.

Decomposers get their food molecules by....

• eating plants or animals.

• making them using photosynthesis.

• absorbing them from dead matter.

Answer explanation

Decomposers get energy storage molecules by breaking down and absorbing them from dead matter.

Examples of decomposers include (choose all correct)....

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• A hawk

• Grass

Answer explanation

Fungi and Bacteria are both decomposers that get their energy storage molecules from dead matter.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Which of the following best describes an energy storage molecule?

• All molecules are energy storage molecules.

• Molecules that you can use for your cells to get energy.

• Water and carbon dioxide.

Answer explanation

Energy storage molecules like glucose or fat can be used by our cells for energy.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS1-7

What is the purpose of the process of photosynthesis?

• Photosynthesis breaks down food molecules.

• Photosynthesis makes food molecules.

• Photosynthesis is how decomposers get their food.

Answer explanation

Photosynthesis uses carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight to make energy storage molecules.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6