13.3 - 6 The Niche a way of life or a role in an ecosystem

Earthworm Niche

Energy in an Ecosystem Producers are photosynthetic and make carbohydrates by using energy from the sun Commonly called autotrophs Some are chemosynthetic and use chemicals to make carbohydrates instead of sunlight

Energy in an Ecosystem Consumers obtain energy by eating other organisms Commonly called heterotrophs includes Herbivores = eat only plants Omnivores = eat plants and animals Carnivores = eat only animals Detritivores = eat dead organic matter Decomposers = detritivores that break down organic matter into simpler compounds

Energy Flow Food Chains A single pathway of energy transfer Sequence that links species by their feeding relationships Food Webs A network showing all paths of energy transfer

Food Chain in an Antarctic Ecosystem

Food Web in an Antarctic Ecosystem

Energy Transfer Ecosystems contain only a few trophic levels because there is a low rate of energy transfer between each level Primary Consumer = herbivore that eats producers Secondary Consumer = carnivores that eat herbivores Tertiary Consumer = carnivores that eat other carnivores

Energy Transfer Through Trophic Levels

Energy Pyramid – compares energy used by producers and consumers

Water Cycle

Carbon Cycle

Nitrogen Cycle