Energy, Producers, And Consumers 3.2 Flashcards
(17 cards)
Can organisms create their own energy?
No, they either get it from the sun, chemicals, or by eating other animals.
Why do organisms need energy?
For reproduction, growth, and metabolic processes.
What is the ultimate energy source?
Sunlight
But for ecosystems like in the deep sea, their ultimate energy source is chemical energy stored in inorganic chemical compounds.
Autotrophs
Organisms that can capture energy from sunlight or chemicals and convert into carbs that other animals can use.
Ex: algae, certain bacteria, and plants
How do autotrophs make their food?
They use solar or chemical energy to produce food by converting inorganic compounds into complex organic molecules. They store their energy in forms that Make it available to other organism that eat them.
Primary producers (autotrophs are also called this)
First producers of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms.
Photosynthesis ( this is what primary producers use to get energy)
Gets energy from sunlight and uses it to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugar and starches.
Chemosynthesis ( primary producers in, for example, deep sea ecosystems use this to get energy)
Primary producers in harsh ecosystems harness chemical energy from inorganic molecules such as hydrogen sulfide. So, chemical energy is used to produce carbs.
Heterotrophs
Animals, fungi, and most bacteria may get energy from eating other organisms.
Consumers ( heterotrophs are also called this)
Organisms that rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients.
Carnivores
Animals that kill and eat other animals.
Ex: snakes, bobcats, and giant river otters
Herbivores
Obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant leaves, roots, seeds, and/or fruits.
Ex: military macaw, cows, caterpillars, and deer.
Omnivores
Animals who eat both plants and animals
Ex: humans, bears, pigs, and white-nosed coati
Scavengers
Animals that eat the carcasses of other animals.
Ex: vultures
Decomposers
“Feed” by chemically breaking down organic matter.
Ex: bacteria and fungi
Detrivores
Feed on detritus particles, often chewing or grinding them into even smaller pieces.
Ex: giant earthworms, mites, snails, shrimps, crabs
Beyond consumer categories
Organisms often don’t stay inside the tidy categories ecologists place them in.
Ex: some animals often described as carnivores , such as hyenas, will scavenge if they get a chance.
