Ecosystems Review Flashcard #2

Front

What are producers?

Back

Producers are organisms that make their own food using the process of photosynthesis. They are also called autotrophs, which means they 'self-feed'. Examples include plants.

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy flows from one organism to another in an ecosystem. For example, in the chain 'plant > grasshopper > mouse > snake', energy flows from the plant to the grasshopper, then to the mouse, and finally to the snake.

Front

What do arrows in a food web represent?

Back

Arrows in a food web show the flow of energy from one organism to another.

Front

What is an apex predator?

Back

An apex predator is an animal that is at the top of the food chain and has no natural predators. An example is the Beluga Whale.

Front

What is photosynthesis?

Back

Photosynthesis is the process by which producers, like plants, convert sunlight into chemical energy (food) using carbon dioxide and water.

Front

What are consumers?

Back

Consumers are organisms that cannot make their own food and must eat other organisms for energy. They can be herbivores, carnivores, or omnivores.

Front

What are decomposers?

Back

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead or decaying organisms, returning nutrients to the soil. Examples include fungi and bacteria.

Front

What is a herbivore?

Back

A herbivore is an animal that primarily eats plants. Examples include deer and rabbits.

Front

What is a carnivore?

Back

A carnivore is an animal that primarily eats other animals. Examples include lions and hawks.

Front

What is an omnivore?

Back

An omnivore is an animal that eats both plants and animals. Examples include bears and humans.