How is dead matter used during the nitrogen cycle?
The left over energy in the dead matter is taken out and used by plants
100
Define primary consumer
a heterotroph that eats only plants
200
Define consumer
Living things that eat other living things
200
In an energy pyramid, where is the least amount of energy located? Why?
At the top, because energy is used and released as heat at each level of the pyramid. By the time the energy reaches the top, there is only a small amount left
200
Once on the ground, some of that water is __________ and some _______________
absorbed
runs off into lakes, streams, ponds, etc
200
What changes the nitrogen gas intro nitrates?
nitrogen fixing bacteria located on plant roots
200
Define secondary consumer
a heterotroph that preys on other heterotrophs
300
Define omnivore
Organisms that eat both plants and animals
300
What does a food chain start with a producer?
Because producers are the only organisms that can change the sun's energy into energy that consumers can use
300
What happens to excess water in plants and in animals?
pushed out through their leaves
urinated out
300
What is the name for chemicals that contain nitrogen?
Nitrates
300
Consumers use __________ during respiration.
oxygen
400
Define food chain
A pathway of energy and materials through a community
400
Why is dead matter important to an ecosystem?
Because the energy left in the dead matter is recycled and returned to the ecosystem
400
Name the process of changing water from a liquid to a gas
Evaporation
400
What do plants use nitrates for?
To make proteins
400
What are two very important gases in the air?
Oxygen and carbon dioxide
500
Define energy pyramid
A diagram that shows energy loss in a food chain
500
What is a decomposer?
An organism that eats all dead matter
500
When does evaporation occur in the water cycle?
At any time
500
Nitrates can be used by plants but they can also be ______________________
Recycled and returned to the air as nitrogen gas by nitrogen fixing bacteria
500
Producers use _____________ during photosynthesis.