Energy Flow in an Ecosystem Flashcard

Front

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down wastes and dead organisms, returning raw materials to the environment.

Front

What do the arrows in a food chain or web represent?

Back

The arrows show the direction in which energy is flowing between organisms.

Front

What is an apex predator?

Back

An apex predator is a predator at the top of the food chain, with no natural enemies, such as a hawk.

Front

What are herbivores?

Back

Herbivores are consumers that eat only plants.

Front

What is the role of scavengers in an ecosystem?

Back

Scavengers feed on the bodies of dead organisms.

Front

Define a food chain.

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem.

Front

What is the difference between producers and consumers?

Back

Producers create their own food through photosynthesis, while consumers obtain energy by eating other organisms.

Front

What are primary consumers?

Back

Primary consumers are herbivores that eat producers (plants) in an ecosystem.

Front

What are secondary consumers?

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers, often carnivores or omnivores.