Ch 3 Flashcard Review

Front

What are organisms that capture energy from nonliving sources and convert it to usable energy called?

Back

Autotrophs

Front

What cycle is demonstrated in the diagram that involves the movement of carbon through the environment?

Back

The Carbon cycle

Front

What is the most abundant gas in the atmosphere?

Back

Nitrogen

Front

What is the term for a sequence of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food?

Back

Food Chain

Front

Who are the first producers of energy-rich compounds in an ecosystem?

Back

Primary Producers

Front

What is the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy?

Back

Photosynthesis

Front

What term describes organisms that cannot produce their own food and rely on other organisms for energy?

Back

Heterotrophs

Front

What is the term for the breakdown of organic matter by decomposers?

Back

Decomposition

Front

What cycle involves the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth?

Back

The Water cycle

Front

What is the term for organisms that feed on dead organic matter?

Back

Detritivores