Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, showing how energy and nutrients flow between different organisms.

Front

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Front

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.

Front

What is cellular respiration?

Back

Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into energy, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Front

What are decomposers?

Back

Decomposers are organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Front

What is atmospheric carbon dioxide?

Back

Atmospheric carbon dioxide is the carbon dioxide present in the Earth's atmosphere, which contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

Front

How do food chains differ from food webs?

Back

Food chains represent a linear sequence of energy transfer between organisms, while food webs illustrate the complex interconnections between multiple food chains.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for most producers?

Back

The primary source of energy for most producers is sunlight.

Front

What is the greenhouse effect?

Back

The greenhouse effect is the warming of the Earth's surface due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide.

Front

What is a heterotroph?

Back

A heterotroph is an organism that cannot produce its own food and must consume other organisms for energy.