3.2

Chemosynthesis and when it's used

All photosynthetic organisms use solar energy to turn carbon dioxide and water into sugar and oxygen. There is only one photosynthetic formula: CO2 + 6H2O -> C6H12O6 + 6O2. Chemosynthesis is the use of energy released by inorganic chemical reactions to produce food.

Consumers

An organism that obtains energy and nutrients by feeding on other organisms or their remains.

Heterotrophs

An organism that obtains organic food molecules by eating other organisms or their by-products.

Scavengers

Animals that consume the carcasses of other animals that have been killed by predators or have died of other causes

How do consumers obtain energy

By eating plants (producers) or eating animals that eat plants

Difference between decomposers and detritivores

Deco= Organisms that break down the dead remains of other organisms Detr= feed on plant and animal remains and other dead matter

How autotrophs make convert energy

Most autotrophs make their "food" through photosynthesis using the energy of the sun. Heterotrophs cannot make their own food, so they must eat or absorb it. Chemosynthesis is used to produce food using the chemical energy stored in inorganic molecules.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down the dead remains of other organisms

Autotrophs

Organisms that make their own food

What are primary producers

Primary producers are the first producers of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms.

What plants are making in photosynthesis

The leaves contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which colors the leaves green. Chlorophyll can make food the plant can use from carbon dioxide, water, nutrients, and energy from sunlight. This process is called photosynthesis. During the process of photosynthesis, plants release oxygen into the air.

Omnivores

eat both plants and animals

Herbivores

eat plants

Detritivores

feed on plant and animal remains and other dead matter

Carnivores

meat eaters