SB5.b Energy and Matter in Ecosystems

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What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (soil, water, air) in a specific area.

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What is a producer in an ecosystem?

Back

A producer is an organism that can make its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, such as plants and algae.

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What is a consumer in an ecosystem?

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A consumer is an organism that cannot produce its own food and instead obtains energy by eating other organisms.

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What are the three types of consumers?

Back

Herbivores (plant eaters), carnivores (meat eaters), and omnivores (both plant and meat eaters).

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What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to recycle matter in the ecosystem.

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What is the carbon cycle?

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The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, land, water, and living organisms.

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How does burning fossil fuels affect the carbon cycle?

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Burning fossil fuels adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

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What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll.

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What is respiration in living organisms?

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Respiration is the process by which organisms convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

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What is the food chain?

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