Ecosystem Roles and Food Chains

Explain the difference between an abiotic factor and biotic factor and give two examples of each.

• Abiotic factors are living components; examples include plants and animals. Biotic factors are non-living components; examples include water and soil.

• Abiotic factors are non-living components; examples include water and soil. Biotic factors are living components; examples include plants and animals.

• Abiotic factors are living components; examples include sunlight and temperature. Biotic factors are non-living components; examples include bacteria and fungi.

• Abiotic factors are non-living components; examples include bacteria and fungi. Biotic factors are living components; examples include sunlight and temperature.

How do photoautotrophs and chemoautotrophs obtain the energy to synthesize carbohydrates?

• Photoautotrophs use chemical energy, and chemoautotrophs use solar energy.

• Photoautotrophs use solar energy, and chemoautotrophs use chemical energy.

• Both use solar energy to synthesize carbohydrates.

• Both use chemical energy to synthesize carbohydrates.

What is the ultimate source of energy for most life on Earth?

• Water

• Wind

• Sunlight

• Soil

What is the role of secondary consumers in a food chain?

• Consume primary consumers

• Produce energy from sunlight

• Break down organic material

• Provide nutrients to plants

What type of organisms are at the top of a food chain?

• Tertiary consumers

• Primary producers

• Secondary consumers

• Decomposers

How is energy transferred in an ecosystem?

• Through feeding relationships

• By water currents

• Through soil nutrients

• By air flow

What is the main purpose of food chains and food webs?

• To illustrate the flow of energy and relationships

• To show plant growth patterns

• To map animal migration

• To display weather patterns

What is a typical starting point for a food chain?

• Primary producers

• Secondary consumers

• Tertiary consumers

• Decomposers

What type of consumers are carnivores or omnivores?

• Secondary consumers

• Primary producers

• Tertiary consumers

• Decomposers

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• Break down dead material and recycle nutrients

• Produce energy from sunlight

• Consume primary consumers

• Provide shelter for animals