Ecology

Front

What is a decomposer?

Back

An organism that breaks down dead or decaying organic material, returning nutrients to the ecosystem. Examples include fungi and bacteria.

Front

Which organisms are considered producers?

Back

Organisms that can produce their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, such as plants and algae.

Front

What is a food chain?

Back

A linear sequence of organisms through which nutrients and energy pass as one organism eats another.

Front

What is the role of the sun in a food chain?

Back

The sun provides the energy that fuels the entire food chain, starting with producers.

Front

Define consumer in ecology.

Back

An organism that obtains energy by consuming other organisms; includes herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.

Front

What are abiotic factors?

Back

Nonliving components of an ecosystem, such as sunlight, water, temperature, and minerals.

Front

What is a carnivore?

Back

An organism that primarily eats other animals.

Front

What is an herbivore?

Back

An organism that primarily eats plants.

Front

What is an autotroph?

Back

An organism that can produce its own food from inorganic substances; synonymous with producers.

Front

What is a mutualist?

Back

An organism that engages in mutualism, a symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit.