Matter and Energy in Ecosystems Vocab

Process of breaking down glucose into smaller molecules.

• glycolysis

• gluconeogenesis

• fermentation

• oxidative phosphorylation

Model of energy transfer showing interconnected food chains.

• food chain

• food web

• energy cycle

• trophic level

An organism that cannot make its own food and gets energy by eating others.

• producer

• decomposer

• consumer

• autotroph

Process converting atmospheric nitrogen to usable nitrogen compounds.

• nitrogen fixation

• photosynthesis

• cellular respiration

• decomposition

An organism that uses an external energy source, like the Sun, to produce its own food.

• consumer

• decomposer

• producer

• scavenger

Model showing energy in food chain links.

• energy pyramid

• food web

• trophic level

• energy flow diagram

Gas to liquid process.

• evaporation

• sublimation

• condensation

• precipitation

A series of chemical reactions converting food energy into ATP.

• cellular respiration

• photosynthesis

• fermentation

• glycolysis

All living and nonliving things in an area.

• ecosystem

• habitat

• community

• biosphere

An organism that consumes dead bodies and waste.

• herbivore

• carnivore

• detritivore

• omnivore