Ecosystem Components Producers – Basis of an ecosystem’s energy – Autotrophs: perform photosynthesis to make sugars – Chemotrophs: Bacteria which use minerals from deep-sea vents to make energy Consumers – Heterotrophs: Consumes others for energy – Omnivores, herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, detritivores – Generalists, specialists

Defined: Feeding level of an ecosystem Trophic levels consist of producers, consumers, and decomposers ~10% of energy is passed to the next level – Rest is lost as heat – Few trophic levels

Defined: Organisms that create their energy through photosynthesis – AKA: Autotrophs Convert sunlight into glucose (sugar) Bottom of food chain (1 st trophic level) Ex: Plants, Algae, Cyanobacteria

Defined: Organisms that feed on producers 2 nd trophic level Herbivores (eat plants)

Defined: Organisms that feed on 1° consumers 3 rd trophic level Carnivores (eat meat) & Omnivores (eat meat & plants)

Defined: Organisms that feed on 2°2° consumers 4 th trophic level Carnivores and omnivores

Detritivores: Feed on dead matter Decomposers: break down dead matter into simpler substances Returns nutrients to the soil

Name the tropic levels in this food pyramid

Defined: model that shows a sequence of feeding relationships. one producer and a single chain of consumers DESERT COTTONTAILGRAMA GRASSHARRIS’S HAWK

Create your own pyramid model Draw an energy pyramid for the desert food chain below. Use arrows to illustrate the flow of energy.

Defined: Group of interrelated food chains Arrows point in direction energy (nutrients) travels Analysis Trace 2 food chains from this food web. What could happen if we removed the Grasshopper?

producer Primary consumer Secondary consumer Tertiary consumer

producer Primary consumer Secondary consumer Tertiary consumer Quaternary consumer