Interactions within Communities Chapter 24, Section 3

Obtaining Energy Ways to Obtain Energy Organisms can: Make their own energy Get energy by eating something else

Obtaining Energy Producers Organisms that use outside energy sources to make their own food. 2 processes: photosynthesis chemosynthesis

Obtaining Energy Producers Photosynthesis Uses sunlight to make sugars (food). Organisms contain chlorophyll.

Obtaining Energy Producers Chemosynthesis Breaks down inorganic molecules (like sulfur) for food.

Obtaining Energy Consumers Organisms that cannot make their own food. 4 types: Herbivores Carnivores Omnivores Decomposers

Obtaining Energy Consumers Herbivores Eat producers (vegetarians)

Obtaining Energy Consumers Carnivores Eat other consumers

Obtaining Energy Consumers Omnivores Eat both plants and animals

Obtaining Energy Consumers Decomposers Break down and consume wastes and decaying materials

Obtaining Energy Food Chains Simple model of feeding relationships in an ecosystem (what eats what)

Symbiotic Relationships A close and permanent relationships between individuals of different species. 3 types: Mutualism Commensalism Parasitism

Symbiotic Relationships Mutualism Both species benefit from the relationship.

Symbiotic Relationships Commensalism One species benefits and the other species is not harmed or helped.

Symbiotic Relationships Parasitism One species benefits but the other species is harmed.

Niches Niche How an organism survives, such as how it: Obtains food Obtains shelter Finds a mate Cares for young Avoids danger Includes any adaptations for survival.

Niches Predator-Prey Relationships Presence of a predator limits the size of prey and increases the number of species that can survive in the ecosystem.

Niches Cooperation Cooperation among organisms living in a social group. Increases the chance of survival.