Chapter 4 Vocabulary Practice

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

Process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates.

• Photosynthesis

• Chemosynthesis

Material made up of decaying bits of plant and animal material.

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.

Organisms that rely on other organisms for its energy and food supply. Multiple correct answers.

• autotrophs

• heterotrophs

• consumers

• producers

Photosynthetic algae found near the surface of the ocean.

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

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

Each step in a food chain.

Total amount of living tissue within a given trophic level.