Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling in Autotrophs and Heterotrophs

The video explores the roles of heterotrophs and autotrophs in ecosystems, focusing on energy flow and nutrient cycling. Autotrophs, like plants, are primary producers that convert solar energy into biomass, supporting heterotrophs such as herbivores and carnivores. The video also covers decomposition, highlighting the role of detritivores in recycling nutrients. Key concepts include productivity, energy flow, and the ecological importance of both autotrophs and heterotrophs.

What are heterotrophs and how do they obtain energy?

Explain the role of primary producers in an ecosystem.

What is the significance of photosynthesizers in energy flow within ecosystems?

Discuss the impact of removing producers from an ecosystem.

What is the difference between gross primary productivity (GPP) and net primary productivity (NPP)?

What factors influence net primary productivity in ecosystems?

How do herbivores adapt to their diet of plants?

Describe the process of decomposition and its importance in nutrient cycling.

What are detritivores and what role do they play in ecosystems?

Explain the stages of decomposition in animal carcasses.