Segment 1: Scope 2: Flow of Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

autotroph

• An organism that obtains its energy from an abiotic source, such as sunlight or inorganic chemicals

• Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the remains of dead plants and animals without need for internal digestion

• An organism that feeds on dead or decaying plant or animal remains

• An organism that must consume other organisms for energy

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

biomass

• Material derived from living things

• A representation of the organisms in an ecosystem organized into separate trophic levels with producers at the bottom and top predators at the top

• The amount of energy moving through the food chain

• A representation of an ecological community showing the total amount of energy contained within each trophic level

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

carnivore

• Animals that eat other animals

• Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the remains of dead plants and animals without need for internal digestion

• Organisms that consume only plants

• An organism that consumes both animals and plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

consumer

• An organism that obtains its energy from an abiotic source, such as sunlight or inorganic chemicals

• Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the remains of dead plants and animals without need for internal digestion

• An organism that feeds on dead or decaying plant or animal remains

• An organism that must consume other organisms for nutrients

decomposer

• Animals that eat other animals

• Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the remains of dead plants and animals without need for internal digestion

• Organisms that consume only plants

• An organism that consumes both animals and plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

detrivore

• Animals that eat other animals

• Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down the remains of dead plants and animals without need for internal digestion

• An organism that feeds on dead or decaying plant or animal remains

• An organism that consumes both animals and plants

ecological pyramid

• Material derived from living things

• A representation of the organisms in an ecosystem organized into separate trophic levels with producers at the bottom and top predators at the top

• The amount of energy moving through the food chain

• A representation of an ecological community showing the total amount of energy contained within each trophic level

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

ecosystem

• All of the biotic and abiotic factors and the interactions among them in a given area

• The ability of a system to do work or produce heat

• A single linear path of energy transfer through the trophic levels of an ecosystem

• A complex of interconnected food chains showing the trophic interactions in an ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

energy

• All of the biotic and abiotic factors and the interactions among them in a given area

• The ability of a system to do work or produce heat

• A single linear path of energy transfer through the trophic levels of an ecosystem

• A complex of interconnected food chains showing the trophic interactions in an ecosystem

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

energy flow

• Material derived from living things

• A representation of the organisms in an ecosystem organized into separate trophic levels with producers at the bottom and top predators at the top

• The amount of energy moving through the food chain

• A representation of an ecological community showing the total amount of energy contained within each trophic level

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3