Matter and Energy in Ecosystems Vocabulary ELL 1
Molecule
A group of atoms joined together in a particular way
Carbon Dioxide
A molecule made of 1 carbon and 2 oxygen atoms (CO2)
Energy Storage Molecule
A molecule that organisms can use to release the energy they need to survive
System
A set of interacting parts forming a complex whole
Glucose
A sugar (an ESM) made by plants that organisms can use to release energy (C6H12O6)
Carbon
A type of atom that is part of molecules like carbon dioxide and energy storage molecules
Fat
A type of energy storage molecule made by both plants and animals
Starch
A type of energy storage molecule made of many glucose molecules connected together in a long chain; made by plants
Decomposer
An organism that breaks down wastes and dead matter to get energy
Organisms
Living things, such as plants, animals, and bacteria
Biotic Matter
Matter that makes up the living and dead organisms in a ecosystem
Abiotic Matter
Matter that makes up the nonliving parts of an ecosystem, such as air, water, and rocks
Atoms
The "building blocks" all matter; what makes up all molecules
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants and other producers use energy from sunlight to change carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and glucose
Ecosystem
All the living and nonliving things interacting in a particular area
Energy
The ability to make things move or change
Biodome
A closed ecosystem made by humans
Producer
An organism that can make its own energy storage molecules without eating something else
Secondary Consumer
An organism that eats primary consumers
Primary Consumer
An organism that eats producers
Chloroplast
The part of a cell where photosynthesis happens
