Intro to ECOLOGY

Ecology The study of the interactions among organisms and between organisms and their environment.

Sunlight THE MAIN ENERGY SOURCE FOR LIFE ON EARTH.

Autotrophs Organisms that use sunlight or energy stored in chemical compounds to make food. What is another name for this? PRODUCERS

TWO TYPES OF PRODUCERS Photosynthesis using- make food energy from the SUN. EX: PLANTS, ALGAE Chemosynthesis using- capture chemical energy because they live in places WITHOUT sun.

Heterotrophs Organisms that rely on other organisms for their energy and food supply. Also called? Consumers

4 Types of Heterotrophs Herbivore Carnivore Omnivore Detritivore

Herbivore Eat only Plants.

Carnivore Eat only Animals.

Omnivore Eat plants and animals.

Detritivore Eat plant and animal remains.

Decomposers Break down organic matter.