the organisms that use solar or chemical energy to produce “food” by assembling inorganic compounds into complex organic molecules, feeding themselves, also called primary producers
autotrophs
the 1st producers of energy-rich compounds that are later used by other organisms
primary producers
The 2 primary sources of energy that power living systems are photosynthesis and chemosynthesis.
What are the 2 primary sources of energy that power living systems?
Do all deep-sea organisms use chemosynthesis?
Propose a question that a scientist might ask about the variety of organisms found around deep-sea vents.
the process that captures light energy and uses it to power chemical reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and energy-rich carbohydrates such as sugars and starches
photosynthesis
a process in which chemical energy is used to produce carbohydrates
chemosyntesis
the organisms that acquire energy from other organisms, also called consumers
heterotrophs
organisms that rely on other organisms for energy and nutrients
consumers
Consumers obtain energy by consuming other organisms.
Explain how consumers obtain energy.
organisms that obtain energy and nutrients that kill and eat other animals
carnivores
organisms that obtain energy and nutrients by eating plant leaves, fruits, or seeds
herbivores
organisms that obtain energy and nutrients whose diets naturally include a variety of different foods that usually include both plants and other animals
omnivores
organisms that obtain energy and nutrients by consuming the carcasses of other animals that have been killed by predators or have died of other causes
scavengers
Detritivores commonly digest decomposers. Some decomposers are bacteria and fungi, and an example of a detritivore is a giant earthworm.
How are detritivores different from decomposers? Provide an example of each.
organisms that obtain energy and nutrients by chemically breaking down organic matter
decomposers
organisms that obtain energy and nutrients by feeding on detritus particles, often chewing or grinding them into even smaller pieces
detritivores
