Chapter 4.1 Energy, Producers, and Consumers

Solar Energy

Algae and plants harness _________ to build living tissues through photosynthesis, converting CO2 and water into sugars and starches

Photosynthesis

Algae and plants harness solar energy to build living tissues through _____________, using solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches

Plants

Are the main primary producers on land

Chemical energy

Chemosynthesis uses ________________ to produce carbohydrates

Detritivors

Chew or grind detritus particles into smaller pieces

Energy and nutrients

Consumers are organisms that rely on other organisms for _________________

Organisms

Cosumers/Heterotrophs rely on other ____________ to acquire energy and nutrients

Detritus

Decomposers produce _______ or small pieces of dead and decaying plant and animal remains.

Chemical energy

During chemosynthesis, carbon dioxide, oxygen and ______________ are converted into carbohydrates and sulfur compounds

Light Energy

During photosynthesis, carbon dioxide, water and ______ are converted into carbohydrates and oxygen

Decomposers

Feed by chemically breaking down organic matter

Primary Producers

First producers of energy-rich compounds that can be used later by other organisms

Fruits

Food that is easy to digest and are usually rich in energy and nutrients

Consumers

Heterotrophs are also known as ______________

Enzyme

Leaves are composed largely of cellulose. No multicellular organism can manufacture an ___________ to break down cellulose molecules

Autotrophs

Organisms that can capture ENERGY from nonliving sources and convert it into forms living cells can use

Scavengers

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

Omnivors

Organisms that eat both plants and other animals. Ex. Humans

Carnivors

Organisms that kill and eat other animals

Heterotrophs

Organisms that must acquire energy from other organisms, usually by eating them

Herbivores

Organisms that obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant leaves, roots, seeds or fruits

Carbon dioxide

Photosynthetic primary producers also add oxygen to the atmosphere and remove ____________

Oxygen

Plants use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into ______ and carbohydrates

Leaves

Plentiful in many ecosystems, but low in energy and tough to digest

Energy

Powers most life on Earth and comes from the SUN

Chemosynthesis

Some bacteria can also harness chemical energy from inorganic molecules through a process called ____________, in which carbohydrates are produced

All life

________ depends on primary producers