What are the needs of organisms?

FOOD All organisms need food to survive. – How do organisms obtain energy? FROM FOOD Organisms that can make their own food are called producers or autotrophs – Examples: Plants – Consumers cannot make their own food, they must ingest it. Also known as heterotrophs – The ultimate source of energy is the SUN

WATER Without water (H 2 O), all plants and animals would die. – About 70% of your body is water. – What do plants use water for? Making food (PHOTOSYNTHESIS) – ALL chemical processes require water!! These processes together are know as metabolism

AIR Air is a mixture of gases. Oxygen (O 2 ) is needed by MOST living things Where do fish get oxygen from? Dissolved oxygen in water (O 2 in H 2 O) What gas do plants need? Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 )

PLACE All organisms need a place to live (proper environment) It must provide food, water, and air, as well as be a proper location to reproduce In any environment resources are limited and organisms must compete with each other to survive. (Survival of the fittest)