Energy and Ecology

Ecosystem Components Producers – Basis of an ecosystem’s energy – Autotrophs: perform photosynthesis to make sugars – Chemotrophs: Bacteria which use minerals from deep-sea vents to make energy Consumers – Heterotrophs: Consume others for energy – Omnivores, herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, detritivores

Defined: Feeding level of an ecosystem Trophic levels consist of producers, consumers, and decomposers ~10% of energy is passed to the next level – Few trophic levels

Defined: Organisms that create their energy through photosynthesis – AKA: Autotrophs Convert sunlight into glucose (sugar) Bottom of food chain (1 st trophic level) Ex: Plants, Algae, Cyanobacteria

Defined: Organisms that feed on producers 2 nd trophic level Herbivores (eat plants)

Defined: Organisms that feed on 1° consumers 3 rd trophic level Carnivores (eat meat) & Omnivores (eat meat & plants)

Defined: Organisms that feed on 2°2° consumers 4 th trophic level Carnivores and omnivores

Detritivores: Feed on dead matter Decomposers: break down dead matter into simpler substances Returns nutrients to the soil

Name the tropic levels in this food pyramid

Defined: Group of interrelated food chains Arrows show direction energy (nutrients) travel Analysis Trace 2 food chains from this food web. What could happen if we removed the Grasshopper?

producer Primary consumer Secondary consumer Tertiary consumer

producer Primary consumer Secondary consumer Tertiary consumer Quaternary consumer