FA23 Bio04 VocQz

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
• photosynthesis
• heterotroph
• detritus

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

• primary producer
• chemosynthesis
• consumer
• food chain

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.

• photosynthesis
• heterotroph
• detritus
• phytoplankton

Process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates.

• chemosynthesis
• consumer
• food chain
• food web

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

• heterotroph
• detritus
• phytoplankton
• trophic level

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

• consumer
• food chain
• food web
• ecological pyramid

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

• detritus
• phytoplankton
• trophic level
• biomass

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

• food chain
• food web
• ecological pyramid
• biogeochemical cycle

Photosynthetic algae found near the surface of the ocean.

• phytoplankton
• trophic level
• biomass
• nutrient

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

• food web
• ecological pyramid
• biogeochemical cycle
• nitrogen fixation