Energy in Ecosystems
This is the original source of energy for almost all ecosystems.
What is the Sun?
These organisms break down dead matter and recycle nutrients.
What are decomposers?
The first trophic level consists of these organisms.
What are producers?
This system groups organisms based on shared traits.
What is the taxonomic system?
These tiny organisms help digest food and recycle nutrients.
What are bacteria?
Organisms that make their own food from sunlight.
What are producers (or autotrophs)?
Nutrients move through ecosystems in these.
What are cycles (like the nitrogen or carbon cycle)?
The second trophic level contains these consumers.
What are herbivores (or primary consumers)?
The broadest level of classification.
What is domain?
This kingdom includes mushrooms and mold, and helps decompose matter.
What is fungi?
Animals that eat only plants.
What are herbivores (or primary consumers)?
Water, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are examples of this.
What are elements (or essential matter)?
These are animals that eat other consumers.
What are carnivores (or secondary/tertiary consumers)?
The most specific level of classification.
What is species?
Organisms in this kingdom are multicellular, can move, and eat food
What is Animalia?
Only about this percentage of energy moves from one trophic level to the next.
What is 10%?
This process recycles carbon by taking it from the atmosphere and using it in plants.
What is photosynthesis?
Energy is lost at each level mostly as this.
What is heat?
Organisms in the same genus are more closely related than those in the same ___.
What is family?
Algae belong to this diverse kingdom, often called the "junk drawer."
What is Protista?
This diagram shows how energy decreases through trophic levels.
What is an energy pyramid?
The constant cycling of nutrients and energy supports this balance.
What is ecosystem stability?
This is why there are fewer organisms at the top of the pyramid.
What is less available energy?
The full classification from domain to species is called this.
What is the taxonomic hierarchy?
Plants are vital because they do this to make energy.
What is photosynthesis?