Energy in Ecosystems

Front

What are producers in an ecosystem?

Back

Producers are organisms that create their own food through photosynthesis, such as plants and algae.

Front

What is combustion in relation to fossil fuels?

Back

Combustion is the process of burning fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the atmosphere.

Front

True or False: Decomposing animals increase the amount of carbon in the soil.

Back

True.

Front

What is a tertiary consumer?

Back

A tertiary consumer is an organism that eats secondary consumers; they are often at the top of the food chain, like hawks.

Front

What is non-point source pollution?

Back

Non-point source pollution is pollution that cannot be traced back to a single source, often resulting from runoff.

Front

What role do primary consumers play in an ecosystem?

Back

Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers; they are herbivores, such as rabbits and deer.

Front

Define secondary consumers.

Back

Secondary consumers are organisms that eat primary consumers; they can be carnivores or omnivores.

Front

What is the significance of decomposers in an ecosystem?

Back

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and supporting plant growth.

Front

How does energy flow in an ecosystem?

Back

Energy flows from producers to primary consumers, then to secondary consumers, and finally to tertiary consumers.

Front

What is the carbon cycle?

Back

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