Biological Levels of Organization
What is an organism?
A single living thing (e.g., one deer).
Energy flow begins with?
What is a producer?
Organisms, such as plants and algae, that produce their own energy through photosynthesis.
What is a decomposer?
Organisms that break down dead plant and animal matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
A herd of deer is an example of a ___?
Population (a group of the same species in an area)
What percentage of energy is transferred from one trophic level to the next?
10% (known as the 10% rule, due to energy loss through metabolic processes)
What are the three main types of consumer, and what do they eat?
herbivore - animals that eat plants
carnivore - animals that eat other animals
omnivore - animals that eat both plants and animals
What is an example of a decomoser?
Fungi, bacteria, and detritivores like earthworms that consume decaying organic material.
Deer, trees, wolves, and other animals interacting in an area is an example of a ____?
Community (different populations interacting in an area)
What is photosynthesis?
The process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, specifically glucose.
What is a primary consumer?
Organisms that eat producers (plants or algae) in a food chain; they are herbivores.
Examples: Cows (eat grass), rabbits (eat leaves and grass).
The process of returning essential elements to the soil for plant uptake is called?
Nutrient cycling. It helps maintain soil health and fertility, supporting the growth of producers.
All living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) factors in an area make up the ____?
Ecosystem
Where does photosynthesis occur?
In the chloroplasts of plant cells, where chlorophyll captures sunlight.
What is a secondary Consumer?
Animals that obtain energy by consuming primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.
Examples: Carnivores like wolves and snakes (which eat primary consumers), and omnivores like bears and humans (which eat both plants and animals).
_____, like earthworms and woodlice, consume decomposing organic matter, aiding in the breakdown process.
Detritivores
What is the biosphere?
The part of Earth where life exists.
What is cellular respiration?
The process by which organisms break down food (glucose) to release energy (ATP). Occurs in the mitochondria of cells, where energy is extracted from nutrients.
What is a tertiary consumer?
Animals that feed on secondary consumers and are typically carnivores or omnivores.
Examples: Hawks (which eat snakes), wolves (which prey on deer).
What would happen if there were no decomposers?
Ecosystems would be overwhelmed with dead matter, disrupting energy flow.
Decomposers ensure the continued growth of plants and other producers by recycling nutrients. Without decomposers, our soil would not be as healthy or fertile, and would not be able to support plant growth.