Ecology

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What is an ecosystem?

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

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms, typically plants and algae, that can make their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

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What are consumers in an ecosystem?

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Consumers are organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on consuming other organisms for energy.

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What is a carnivore?

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A carnivore is a type of consumer that primarily eats other animals.

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What is a herbivore?

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A herbivore is a type of consumer that primarily eats plants.

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What is a decomposer?

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Decomposers are organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

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What is a trophic level?

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A trophic level is a position in a food chain or food web, defined by how an organism obtains its energy.

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What is the primary consumer?

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Primary consumers are organisms that eat producers; they are typically herbivores.

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What is a secondary consumer?

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