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BIG Words! Autotrophic -- means “self-feeding”; type of organism capable of synthesizing its own food from inorganic substances, using light or chemical energy. Green plants, algae, and certain bacteria are autotrophs. Producers are autotrophs. Photosynthesis-- energy made from light Chemosynthesis-- energy made from chemicals

Producers! Examples of producers: grasses, flowers, trees, vegetables, fruits Representation on Ecological (Trophic Level) Pyramid

BIG Words! Heterotrophic—means “different feeder”; type of organism dependent on obtaining energy from organic substances; animals, fungi, and many bacteria are heterotrophs. Must obtain food: hunting, shopping, being fed, parasitism, endocytosis Organisms digest complex organic products to obtain fuel; they are called Consumers

Consumers! Examples of consumers: mammals, insects, mushrooms, reptiles, fish Representation on Ecological (Trophic Level) Pyramid Carnivores, herbivores, and omnivores

Pyramid Levels Base = Producers Next level up = primary consumers that are herbivores here, but could include omnivores Next level up = secondary consumers that are carnivores who eat the primary consumers Top level = tertiary consumers and secondary consumers

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