Unit 4: Matter and Energy In Ecosystem

Producer

A living that can make its own energy storage molecules.

energy storage molecule

A molecule that organisms can use to release the energy needed to survive

Biodome

a closed ecosystem made by humans

Carbon

a type of atom (a tiny piece) that makes up molecules such as carbon dioxide and energy storage molecule

Ecosystem

all the living and nonliving things interacting in a particular area

Decomposer

an organism (fungi, bacteria, worms) that gets energy storage molecules (such as glucose) by breaking down dead matter.

Organisms

living things, such as plants, animals, and bacteria

Biotic Matter

matter that makes up the living and dead organisms in an ecosystem.

Abiotic Matter

matter that makes up the nonliving parts of an ecosystem, such as air, water, and rocks

Consumer

organism that needs to eat in order to get energy storage molecules.

System

set of interacting parts forming a complex whole

Input

something that is required for a process

Output

something that results from a process

Cellular Respiration

the chemical reaction between oxygen and glucose that releases energy into cells

Photosynthesis

the process by which plants and other producers use energy from sunlight to change carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose (an energy storage molecule)

Carbon Dioxide

a molecule made of carbon and oxygen atoms.

Chloroplast

A green organelle found in plant cells where photosynthesis occurs.

Cell

Basic unit of life

dead matter

biotic matter that is now dead like fallen leaves or dead animals

Molecule

group of atoms joined together in a particular way