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