Flow of energy in ecosystems
Kinetic
related to or possessing motion
Potential
something possible; ability to go into action or perform work
Thermodynamics
the study of energy and its transformations
Decomposers
bacteria and fungi that break down dead matter
Food Chain
line of plants and animals that shows the order in which organisms are eaten
Secondary Consumer
organisms that eat primary consumers
Primary Consumer
organisms that eat producers
Tertiary Consumer
predator that eats secondary consumers
The person holding the bow and arrow has now let go. The arrow shoots forward toward its target. What type of energy is being described?
Kinetic Energy
Picture a person standing with a drawn bow and arrow. He is aiming it at a bull's eye target. What type of energy is being described?
Potential Energy
Living organisms that are able to make their own food are _____.
Producer
Mr. Jones, the science teacher, tells his students that energy cannot be created; it must be captured from the environment. He is talking about the _____.
2nd Law of Thermodynamics
Which of the following is an example of energy changing from one form to another?
A pen.
Most energy in an ecosystem comes originally from _____.
The Sun
What is the definition of energy?
The ability to work.
Food web
a diagram that shows the connections among food chains in an ecosystem